governance

In a stark warning, the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has highlighted a troubling decline in democratic principles within the nation, particularly focusing on increasing threats to freedom of speech and expression. Their recent statement reflects a mounting public unease regarding potential repercussions for those who dare to voice their opinions. "Currently, a considerable number of Liberians—comprising journalists, students, activists, and everyday citizens—are growing increasingly apprehensive about their ability to speak…

Africa's wealthiest individual, Aliko Dangote, who heads the Dangote Group, has announced ambitious plans to collaborate with Kenya and Uganda on a significant oil refinery project in Tanzania. This proposed facility is inspired by his landmark operation in Nigeria, which has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. During a recent conference that featured key figures like Kenya's President William Ruto and Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, Dangote expressed optimism about the project. He emphasized that its success hinges…

President Cyril Ramaphosa, moving decisively amid scrutiny of police procurement, has placed National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola on precautionary suspension. Masemola faces charges under the Public Finance Management Act for allegedly failing to properly oversee a contested $21 million police health services contract. He has denied the allegations. The charges are tied to a 2024 tender awarded to controversial businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala’s Medicare24 Tshwane District to provide health services to police…

In a significant move aimed at boosting infrastructure, President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate's approval to secure a $516.3 million loan from Deutsche Bank AG. This lending initiative is backed by insurance from the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit, part of the Islamic Development Bank. Tinubu emphasized that the funding would be directed towards the construction of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, a centerpiece project within his Renewed Hope Agenda. The ambitious…

Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has lodged a formal protest with his South African counterpart after widely shared videos purportedly showing xenophobic assaults on Ghanaian nationals sparked outrage online. Calling the footage “extremely disturbing,” Ablakwa pressed South African authorities to act swiftly. “The South African Foreign Minister has expressed empathy with the victims and promised full-scale investigations into these depressing incidents,” Ablakwa said on social media. He added that…

A last-minute diplomatic tussle has grounded Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s planned trip to Eswatini, with Taipei accusing Beijing of leaning on other nations to deny overflight permissions—an action it condemned as a breach of international norms and a risk to aviation safety. Taiwan said Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar withdrew Lai’s flight clearances under “intense pressure” and economic coercion from China. Beijing rejected the coercion claim and instead lauded the three Indian Ocean countries, saying it held…

In a move that escalates a bitter political standoff, the Zambian government says it has taken custody of former president Edgar Lungu’s body—10 months after his death in South Africa—despite the family’s objections. The clash revives a long-running feud between Lungu and his successor, Hakainde Hichilema. The family has responded by filing an urgent application in a South African high court, seeking an order to return the former president’s body to the funeral home where it was originally kept.

In a strategic shift within the Federal Executive Council, President Bola Tinubu has announced a minor Cabinet reshuffle that will impact key economic and housing roles. As part of this reorganization, Tinubu has removed Wale Edun from his position as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, alongside Ahmed Dangiwa, who has stepped down as Minister of Housing and Urban Development. Edun will transition his responsibilities to Taiwo Oyedele, who previously held the role of Minister of State in the…

Former President of Senegal, Macky Sall, has asserted that achieving lasting global peace hinges on addressing the persistent issues of poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. As he positions himself as a contender to replace UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Sall's insights come just ahead of a public inquiry at the United Nations headquarters in New York this week. Introduced in 2016, the public Q&A format aims to foster transparency during the selection process. Nonetheless, the final authority to appoint the…

Zimbabwe’s ruling party youth wing has urged Parliament to reject a reported US$3.6 million offer from businessman Wicknell Chivayo, warning the move could fuel perceptions of private interests exerting undue sway over state institutions. The ZANU PF Youth League said it had seen social media posts suggesting Chivayo intended to donate US$3.6 million to Parliament, but argued such a contribution would be inappropriate. Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs John Paradza stressed that Parliament must remain independent and…