governance

In a decisive move to reshape the apparel market, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has enacted a formal ban on importing second-hand clothing, tightening entry rules for these goods with permits now issued only under stringent conditions. The step comes amid ongoing concerns about the country’s fragile clothing value chain and the pressure it faces from cheaper, imported stock. Marketers have questioned the timing, warning that while the policy is billed as a lifeline for local manufacturers, it should be calibrated to…

France has revoked South Africa’s invitation to the forthcoming G7 summit, removing Pretoria from the guest list for the high-profile gathering. Paris rejected early claims that Washington had pushed for the exclusion, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa likewise dismissed suggestions of U.S. pressure. South Africa, not a G7 member, had been slated to attend as an observer. French officials said they were pursuing a “streamlined G7” and have invited Kenya instead, citing its role in helping France prepare a major…

Aboubacar Sidiki Diakité, a pivotal figure convicted for his involvement in the 2009 stadium massacre in Guinea, has died in custody following a medical emergency. Diakité, who was serving a 10-year sentence for his actions during the violent episode in Conakry—where over 150 lives were lost and at least 109 women were subjected to rape—was a controversial presence even behind bars. He established a political party and made attempts to vie for the presidency. The prison administration confirmed that Diakité succumbed at the…

At least 15 Zimbabweans have been killed in the Russia-Ukraine war after being deceived into joining foreign militaries, a development officials say exposes a trafficking pipeline preying on job seekers. Information Minister Soda Zhemu said employment agencies tied to criminal syndicates are enticing Zimbabweans with promises of lucrative pay before steering them into foreign armed forces. Recruiters have leveraged social media and bogus job listings to hook applicants, he added, with victims later stripped of their…

South Africa’s top cop, Fannie Masemola, has been summoned to court over a police health-services tender now at the center of a criminal investigation, thrusting the country’s law-enforcement leadership into fresh scrutiny. Masemola is due to appear on April 21 in relation to his alleged role in the awarding of a $21 million contract. The tender, issued in 2024 to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s firm, Medicare24 Tshwane District, was intended to deliver health services to members of the police. Amid corruption…

As Nigeria gears up for the crucial 2027 presidential election, the political landscape is becoming increasingly dynamic, with key figures emerging to challenge the incumbent, President Bola Tinubu. Among these potential contenders is Dr. Gbenga Hashim, a businessman and activist whose profile is rising sharply. In a recent article for AllAfrica, Chief Paschal Mbawuike lauds Hashim as "the best new hope" for Nigeria’s leadership. Mbawuike acknowledges that while Hashim may not yet wield the same political power as the…

Hospitals across Zimbabwe were thrown into turmoil as nurses walked off the job, leaving wards understaffed and patients without care, in a push for higher wages and allowances. At Parirenyatwa hospital, operations slowed to a near standstill, with student nurses drafted into critical units to keep services running. The walkout erupted just days after a similar action at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital. Nurses said their frustrations have intensified following recent fuel price hikes that have sent transport costs soaring.…

In a significant diplomatic engagement, President Bola Tinubu has called for increased support from the United Kingdom to strengthen efforts against terrorism in Nigeria and the wider West African region. This appeal was made during his State visit at a State Banquet held at Windsor Castle, where he emphasized the shared "history and culture" that bind Nigeria and Britain, forming a robust basis for addressing security, economic, and social challenges together. Tinubu underscored Nigeria's critical role in ensuring regional…

Rwanda’s teenage pregnancy rate rose to 8% in 2025 from 5% in 2020, according to the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey, prompting warnings from health authorities about school dropouts, maternal health risks and reduced economic prospects for girls. Health authorities in Rwanda warned that the rising rate of teenage pregnancy is contributing to students leaving school, increased maternal health risks and limited economic opportunities for young women. The Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey reported that prevalence…

Niger has summoned the European Union's chargé d'affaires in response to a parliamentary resolution demanding the release of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The Nigerien government criticized what it described as the EU's "paternalistic and condescending attitude." The European Parliament's resolution asserted that Bazoum, who assumed office in 2021 following an electoral victory, remains Niger's democratically elected leader. Analysts indicate that Bazoum's strong connections with France, the former colonial power, may…