governance

The Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo recently made headlines, casting a decisive vote that stripped former President Joseph Kabila of his honorific immunity. This significant move comes amidst serious accusations linking him to the M23 rebel group, which, backed by Rwanda, has been implicated in territorial conflicts in the country’s mineral-rich eastern regions. In an outcome reflecting a clear majority, 88 senators supported the motion, while a mere five stood in opposition and three abstained. This overwhelming…

During a significant meeting at the White House, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa addressed the contentious narrative of alleged white genocide in his country. This encounter with U.S. President Donald Trump was more than just an exchange of pleasantries; it represented a pivotal moment in reshaping diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States. Trump, showcasing video clips featuring South African opposition leaders using provocative slogans, attempted to bolster his claims. Yet, Ramaphosa was…

Enoch Godongwana, the Minister of Finance, made a notable reappearance in Parliament today, seeking to present the revised 2025 Budget Review after several prior attempts. This return to the legislative arena was not just routine; it carried the weight of expectation and anticipation. What led to this repeat moment? One might wonder. The atmosphere was charged as he approached the lectern. Legislators, many of whom had been following the fiscal discussions closely, perched on the edges of their seats. Godongwana’s task was…

In a dramatic turn of events, Augustin Matata Ponyo, the former Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been handed a ten-year sentence of forced labor for his role in the embezzlement of approximately $245 million in public funds. Joining him in this legal debacle is Deogratias Mutombo, the former governor of the central bank, who has received a five-year sentence. The echoes of this case reverberate through the halls of Congolese politics, raising questions about accountability and governance. The…

Agathe Habyarimana, now an 82-year-old widow, was once at the heart of a tumultuous chapter in Rwandan history as the spouse of former President Juvénal Habyarimana. Recently, she evaded judicial proceedings in France when investigating magistrates concluded there was not enough evidence to implicate her in the harrowing events of the 1994 genocide. After her husband’s assassination ignited a cataclysm of violence, Habyarimana fled Rwanda, receiving assistance from French authorities. This period, marked by chaos and loss,…

The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) recently made headlines with its controversial decision to replace striking lecturers with part-time staff, offering a meager rate of just US$5.50 per hour. Of this amount, a staggering 40%—equivalent to US$2.20—will be disbursed in local currency, subject to income tax. Whose idea was this, one might wonder, to disregard the commitment and expertise that full-time educators bring to the table? As the sun rises over the university campus, classrooms remain eerily quiet. Striking lecturers…

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that it initially opted not to proceed with a prosecution in the deeply troubling case of a seven-year-old girl, widely referred to as Cwecwe, who is alleged to have been raped. This decision was reportedly based on a lack of compelling evidence. Prosecutors highlighted that medical examinations, combined with interviews conducted, failed to establish irrefutable proof of rape or sexual assault. In April, Cwecwe's mother voiced her concerns, revealing that the police…

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House this week. Their agenda? A wide-ranging discussion on bilateral, regional, and global issues that matter deeply to both nations. Yet, as the anticipation builds, so does the strain between their administrations. It's crucial to ask: what are the underlying currents driving this tension? The backdrop of this high-stakes meeting is a complex tapestry woven with threads of geopolitical dynamics and domestic policies. In…

In a significant turn of events, former President Ali Bongo and his family have arrived in Luanda, the vibrant capital of Angola, following their recent release from Gabonese authorities. This marks a pivotal moment for the Bongo family, who have endured tumultuous times since a coup deposed Ali Bongo and reshaping the political landscape of Gabon. The aftermath of the coup, which took place in August 2023, saw tragic repercussions for many. Among those affected were Sylvia and Noureddin Bongo, Ali's wife and son, who…

In a surprising turn of events, a distinguished diplomat has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency ahead of the 2026 elections. Essa Bokarr Sey, a seasoned figure who has represented The Gambia in various capacities—most notably as ambassador to France, Taiwan, and the USA—stands at the forefront of this political endeavor. However, his announcement does not occur in a vacuum. It emerges against a backdrop of significant controversy surrounding the recent revisions to the national constitution. The original…