Economy

On March 9, 2015, the world bore witness to the eerie silence surrounding the plight of Itai Dzamara, a courageous human rights activist and journalist. Now, a decade has passed since his chilling disappearance, and the outcry for accountability echoes louder than ever within Zimbabwe. Each day that stretches into the next, pressure builds on the ruling Zanu PF government to illuminate what truly happened on that fateful day. Dzamara's case is more than just an unsolved mystery; it is a haunting symbol of the struggles…

The ongoing conflict in Eastern Congo has taken a turn for the worse, drawing the attention of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In a heartfelt plea, Rubio has urged for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis that continues to escalate. The Congolese military is currently facing a daunting challenge from the Rwandan-backed M23 militia, whose swift advances are creating chaos in an already volatile region. This area, rich in minerals, has become a battleground not only for…

In a troubling development, the Africa Centers for Disease Control (Africa CDC) has raised alarms over the deteriorating situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The region, already grappling with a serious outbreak of mpox, has seen escalating violence that has tragically compelled over 600 patients to abandon their treatment centers. This situation illustrates a grim reality: healthcare accessibility can crumble under the weight of conflict. Mpox, a viral disease that manifests through severe skin…

The Nigerian Senate has made headlines with its recent decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. This incident has stirred controversy, as she stands among the very few women in the 109-seat chamber. Her suspension followed accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio for sexual assault, a claim that has reverberated throughout the political landscape. The ethics committee of the Senate dismissed her allegations based on procedural errors. Their recommendation for her suspension came not…

The world of theater has lost one of its luminaries. Athol Fugard, the internationally celebrated South African playwright, novelist, director, and actor, passed away at the remarkable age of 92, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that continues to influence and inspire. His work has penetrated hearts and minds across the globe, delving deep into the complex tapestry of human experience and social justice. Fugard’s body of work is nothing short of monumental. His plays, rich with emotion and insight, reflect the…

Approximately 80% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 in Sierra Leone have endured the harrowing experience of female genital mutilation (FGM), as per findings from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This tragic statistic reveals a practice that isn’t merely a ritual; it is a troubling cornerstone of identity for many communities within the country. As Kaata Minah, an African feminist activist and a 2024 Impact West Africa Fellow, elucidates in her writing for the Inter Press Service, this act is often perceived…

A recent UN report has shed light on the alarming situation faced by Muslim communities and Sudanese refugees in the Southeast Central African Republic (CAR). Commissioned by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) in conjunction with the UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, this comprehensive inquiry has surfaced harrowing evidence of egregious human rights violations committed by various armed groups. The findings paint a grim picture: summary executions, acts of sexual violence, instances of torture, and treatment that can only…

In a surprising twist, the government of Lesotho expressed its profound dismay over a statement made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. During a recent address to Congress, he asserted that "nobody has ever heard of" Lesotho while discussing proposed budget cuts, which notably include $8 million earmarked for LGBTQI+ initiatives in the country. The reaction from Lesotho was swift and resolute. Foreign Affairs Minister Lejone Mpotjoane characterized Trump's comments as "shocking." He underscored the depth of the…

The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) has made a momentous announcement: the 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit will take place in 2025 in the vibrant city of Luanda, Angola. This summit promises to be an extraordinary gathering, welcoming over 1,500 delegates, which will include heads of state from across Africa, government leaders, senior officials from the U.S. government, and executives from both U.S. and African enterprises. What lies ahead is a platform rich with potential, where discussions will explore a myriad of…

Ghana's Inflation: A Trending Descend and Economic Implications For the first time in five tumultuous months, the economic climate of Ghana has shown a glimmer of relief as inflation begins to step back. This development emerges shortly after the country's recent political journey, as incumbent president John Mahama seized victory once again. One might wonder, can political stability foster economic ease? February brought a breath of fresh air to the West…