governance

Wicknell Chivayo, a well-known and often divisive figure in Zimbabwe’s business landscape, has firmly rejected any suggestions of his involvement in a contract for supplying ballot papers to the Namibian Electoral Commission (NEC). Chivayo expressed his dismay, deeming the claims linking him to this contract both unfounded and alarming. A report by the Daily Maverick pointed to Chivayo's connections with Ren-Form, the firm awarded the task of designing, printing, and packaging ballot papers for Namibia's upcoming…

As Guinea-Bissau gears up for its forthcoming elections, a notable chill has fallen over the media landscape, prompting serious worries about the state of press freedom in the country. Many media outlets face insurmountable obstacles, particularly the hefty $5,000 licensing fees imposed by the government, which they must pay to continue broadcasting. Consequently, a significant number of radio stations have found it challenging, if not impossible, to muster the funds necessary to renew their licenses in time for the…

Rwanda’s Health Minister, Sabin Nsanzimana, recently announced some promising news regarding the country's battle against the Marburg virus. Since the outbreak first emerged in September, there’s been a notable decrease in the rate of new infections, a sign that has the nation hopeful. Nsanzimana described this trend as "very encouraging." Reflecting on the initial phase of the outbreak, he mentioned, "The first two weeks felt somewhat stagnant; we were still unearthing the nature of this virus." However, he expressed…

Venâncio Mondlane, an independent candidate vying for the presidency in Mozambique, has issued a powerful call for a nationwide strike to protest widespread electoral malpractice. According to a civil society group known as Mais Integridade, the fraudulent activities were so flagrant that they unfolded right under the noses of various observers. "It’s hard to believe what we've witnessed," one member of the group noted, reflecting the disillusionment felt by many. Tragically, the political climate has grown increasingly…

In any nation embracing a federal structure, splitting power among branches isn't just a formality—it's the backbone of savvy governance. Each branch—executive, legislative, and judicial—operates in isolation, with its own unique responsibilities. This division stops any one branch from hogging all that tasty authority and encourages checks and balances, which keeps everyone accountable. In a federal institution like Somalia, where regional bodies hold serious sway, a clear-cut division of power is critical for maintaining…

The Capitol Building, the heart of Liberia's legislative activities, became a hotspot for political unrest recently. This past Thursday, a faction within the Lower House attempted to unseat Speaker Fonati Koffa. However, their scheme unraveled when Koffa's loyal supporters, despite his absence abroad, intervened spectacularly, closing the Chamber doors and halting the coup attempt. Reportedly, those lawmakers who endorsed the resolution to oust the Speaker believed they were promised a hefty payday of U.S. $25,000 each.…

In the vibrant neighborhoods of Epworth and Mbare in Harare, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has embarked on a crucial mission: empowering the youth to confront mental health issues through a unique peer-led initiative. Equipped with specialized training, educators affiliated with MSF deliver essential psychological first aid. They bridge young individuals with critical mental health resources, encompassing a range of services such as medical care, HIV testing, STI management, contraceptive options, health education,…

In a groundbreaking development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially reported that Rwanda is spearheading the world's inaugural clinical trial aimed at treating the Marburg virus disease. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the collaborative effort with the organization, which involves testing a medication currently employed for COVID-19 management—Remdesivir—alongside an antibody specifically engineered to combat the Marburg virus. “This initiative showcases our collective…

The latest provincial election results strongly suggest that Daniel Chapo, representing the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo), is on track to clinch victory. According to initial tallies, Frelimo is in front across all eleven provinces. Nevertheless, election monitors are expressing skepticism about the fairness of the process, claiming it fell short of international standards. Reports are filtering in about chaotic ballot counting, ballot boxes that weren’t secured properly, allegations of vote…

Tragedy struck in the northwestern region of Nigeria’s Jigawa state, where a catastrophic fuel tanker explosion has claimed the lives of over 90 individuals. Eyewitness accounts reveal that crowds had gathered around the tanker in the aftermath of the accident, driven by desperation to siphon off fuel when disaster struck. “It's concerning that, despite repeated warnings from law enforcement urging the public to maintain a safe distance from fuel tanker mishaps, people continue to jeopardize their safety,” expressed a…