governance

Rwanda finds itself at the beginning of negotiations with the Trump administration regarding the acceptance of migrants deported from the United States. This revelation comes from the country's Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, whose words carry a weight of diplomacy. In the backdrop of these discussions, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio articulated a rather stark view, declaring that Washington is "actively searching" for nations prepared to welcome "some of the most despicable human beings."…

Recent cuts to international funding, notably the stop-work orders imposed by the United States, have begun to take a heavy toll on humanitarian initiatives and local economies that depend heavily on aid operations. This predicament is exemplified by the situation in Maiduguri, Nigeria, as reported by The New Humanitarian. Often nicknamed the heart of aid efforts battling Boko Haram's relentless insurgency, Maiduguri has witnessed notable economic revival, significantly driven by the initiatives of non-governmental…

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has taken a significant step by formally requesting the Senate to revoke the immunity of former president Joseph Kabila. Accusations against Kabila are grave; he stands accused of providing support to the M23 rebel group, a faction long entangled in conflict within the eastern regions of the country. President Félix Tshisekedi has leveled serious charges, describing Kabila's actions as a preparation for "an insurrection." This isn’t just political rhetoric; it…

Recent developments have cast a shadow over the Lesotho Health and Horticulture compact agreement, originally established in 2022 with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a prominent U.S. foreign aid agency. In a striking turn of events, reports indicate that this vital initiative may face closure, following the MCC’s disbandment under the previous Trump Administration. At the heart of this compact was an impressive $300 million investment—an endeavor designed to uplift nearly 2.5 million lives. Imagine the ripple…

On a notable day in South African finance, Minister Enoch Godongwana revealed that the 2025 Budget Review would be re-tabled on 21 May 2025. This decision came in the wake of National Treasury’s choice to retract a proposed 0.5% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), initially scheduled to kick in on 1 May. Reflecting on the public and political discourse that erupted following the initial budget announcement made on 12 March, Godongwana stated, “This debate was rigorous, as is necessary in a healthy democracy.” Such…

In a decisive move aimed at ensuring public safety, a curfew has been instated in Okahandja, effective immediately. The president of the nation, Nandi-Ndaitwah, has taken to the airwaves to reassure citizens that security forces are fully engaged in restoring a sense of normalcy and safety. This isn't simply an administrative response; it’s a concerted effort to safeguard communities that have been on edge. Have we ever considered just how fragile our sense of security is? Too often, it takes a crisis for us to truly…

In a significant political development, Mali’s military leader, General Assimi Goïta, has garnered the support of influential political allies, paving the way for his declaration as president for the next five years. This action is reminiscent of the recent decisions made by leaders in similarly governed nations, such as Niger and Burkina Faso. Together, these countries form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), all under military rule, creating a landscape that raises questions about democracy in the region. Earlier this…

In a shocking turn of events, Namibia's Agriculture Minister, Mac-Albert Hengari, has been dismissed from his position amid serious accusations. Five years after the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl, he was arrested following attempts to bribe the now 21-year-old survivor into withdrawing her case. Hengari’s appearance in court saw him denied bail, facing a daunting array of charges: kidnapping, rape, and assault. The echoes of this scandal resonate deeply within the fabric of Namibian society, where gender-based…

The City of Harare has embarked on an urgent and comprehensive response to a daunting bed bug outbreak in Mbare flats. In a coordinated effort, the local authority activated its Incident Management System (IMS), designating a dedicated incident manager to orchestrate an effective action plan aimed at mitigating this public health challenge. The campaign commenced on April 7, marking the start of an ambitious plan that encompasses three cycles of fumigation. Initially targeting 5,450 rooms, the latest report indicates that…

In a striking turn of events, the legal representatives for the "Majority Bloc" have reversed their earlier stance, asserting that the Supreme Court does, indeed, possess jurisdiction over the ongoing dispute within the House of Representatives. This shift is significant, as the bloc is ardently pursuing the removal of Speaker Fonati Koffa, who has recently found himself at the center of controversy. On April 23, the Supreme Court issued a groundbreaking ruling, deeming the attempts by the "Majority Bloc" to oust Koffa…