governance

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…

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…

Political Turmoil in South West State: Calls for Reform Amidst Allegations of Repression Mogadishu (AX) — On a brisk Monday evening, the atmosphere in Mogadishu was thick with determination as lawmakers and political leaders from South West State converged to voice their mounting concerns. The issues at hand have been simmering for some time now: a combination of governance failures, accusations of political suppression, and claims of electoral deceit are casting a long shadow over President Abdiaziz…

The controversial bill aims to escalate the prison sentences associated with same-sex relationships while also instituting penalties for those found to be promoting or sponsoring LGBTQI+ activities. It is worth noting that former President Akufo-Addo ultimately opted against signing this legislation into law, despite its initial passage by parliament in 2024. In a recent statement, former President John Mahama articulated a pragmatic approach regarding the proposed bill. He expressed a desire for a national consensus,…

Stellenbosch University’s Tataokhona project recently unveiled a compelling report entitled, "The State of South Africa's Fathers 2024," which delves into the evolving dynamics of fatherhood within the family structure. As we navigate an era marked by rapid social, economic, and cultural shifts, understanding the role of fathers has never been more crucial. One striking finding reveals that while 76% of children reside with an adult male, only 35% live with their biological father—a marked decline from 45.3% in 1996. What…

The Cabinet has finalized its contributions to the 2025 Budget, which Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is poised to present to Members of Parliament. This marks a significant moment in our fiscal planning. In a bid to craft a responsible and inclusive financial blueprint, ministers convened for an extraordinary session dedicated to navigating the intricate details of the Budget. This was not merely a routine meeting—it was a second attempt after the Cabinet previously dismissed a revised proposal that notably lacked the…

Tracking elephant populations across the vast landscapes of Africa has long been a complex endeavor. Logistical hurdles, civil conflicts, and funding limitations have posed significant obstacles. Yet, a recent study, expertly collated by George Wittemyer for The Conversation Africa, has pulled together data from a staggering 1,325 surveys conducted over 50 years, shedding light on a stark reality: a dramatic decline in elephant numbers. To put it into perspective, the African savanna elephant population has decreased by a…

Egypt has firmly opposed recent initiatives aimed at establishing an alternative government in Sudan. The Egyptian authorities have underscored that such efforts pose a significant threat to the country's "unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity." In a region fraught with turmoil, Egypt's stance carries weight, especially given its vested interests in Sudan’s stability. For almost two years now, Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating conflict between the national army and the paramilitary group, known as the Rapid…