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The ongoing turmoil in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has given rise to a staggering humanitarian crisis, underscored by an alarming surge in sexual violence against women and children. Recent statistics reveal that over 67,000 cases of rape and sexual assault were documented in just the first quarter of 2025. How did we arrive at such a harrowing juncture? In this heart-wrenching context, nearly 500 incidents of sexual abuse are reported weekly, involving more than 150 children. The sheer numbers are not…

Nigerian singer Tems is set to make history as the headliner for the inaugural halftime show of the FIFA Club World Cup final, happening at MetLife Stadium in New York on July 13. This groundbreaking event promises to be a vibrant fusion of sport and music, capturing the spirit of the global football community. The production, orchestrated by Global Citizen, will ensure that the enthralling performance is accessible to a wide audience, as it will be broadcast live and free on DAZN.com. This decision not only democratizes…

In the vibrant heart of Douala, Cameroon, the air buzzed with anticipation as the local police concluded a two-day surveillance of an apartment block where the prominent opposition leader, Maurice Kamto, had been residing. Having just returned from a politically charged rally in France, Kamto’s presence in the city ignited tensions with the ruling party. Was it a simple visit, or was he a looming threat to their political foundation? The stakes felt alarmingly high. As you weave through the bustling streets of Douala, a…

In a surprising turn of events, the electoral landscape in Côte d'Ivoire has shifted dramatically. Four key opposition leaders have found themselves excluded from the final list of candidates eligible for the upcoming presidential election. Among the most notable is Tidjane Thiam, leader of the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI). His disqualification stems from a controversial court ruling questioning his nationality at the time of registration, subsequently barring him not only from running in the elections scheduled…

In a decisive moment for Gabon’s economic future, President Brice Oligui Nguema has put forth an ambitious initiative aimed at industrializing the nation’s economy. This initiative isn’t just a flash in the pan; it is a calculated effort to harness Gabon's vast natural resources, transforming them into high-value goods that can benefit the entire population. As he articulated during his announcement, Oligui envisions a Gabon that thrives on its own merits, moving beyond mere extraction and embarking on a journey of true…

As the nation gears up for its impending presidential elections in just a few months, uncertainty looms over the political landscape. President Alassane Ouattara has yet to announce whether he will seek a new term, leaving citizens and political analysts alike in suspense. Adding to this uncertainty is a cloud of disqualification that currently shadows several prominent opposition leaders. Notably, former President Laurent Gbagbo remains a polarizing figure; his past adds complexity to any political maneuvering. Then…

In a surprising turn of events, the Wagner Group, a paramilitary organization known for its ties to the Kremlin, has announced its withdrawal from Mali. After more than three years of operations in the West African nation, the paramilitary firm claims to have fulfilled its mission. However, this departure raises a myriad of questions regarding the future of Russian military influence in the region. In a statement, Wagner declared its objectives “accomplished,” emphasizing its role in assisting the Malian military junta in…

Rwanda’s recent departure from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) marks a significant shift in its regional engagements. Citing persistent violations of its member rights, Rwanda contends that the organization has strayed from its foundational principles, calling into question its effectiveness and integrity. Just as Rwanda was poised to take on the chairmanship—a role that rotates among the eleven member states—it withdrew, implying that this leadership position would inadvertently allow the…

On a pivotal day, Burundians cast their votes to shape the future of their parliament. With the ruling party positioned to secure a dominant victory, the political landscape appears decidedly lopsided. This comes on the heels of a notable development: the main opposition party, the National Freedom Council (CNL), was effectively barred from participating in this electoral process. How does one reconcile democracy with such blatant exclusion? The CNL, which emerged as the runner-up in the contentious 2020 elections, had its…

The Liberia National Police has taken a significant step in the investigation surrounding the devastating fire that engulfed the Capitol Building—the heart of the Liberian Legislature—in December 2024. Several members of the House of Representatives have been summoned as persons of interest, raising eyebrows and questions about the implications of this inquiry. A communication sent directly to Speaker of the House Richard Koon outlines the police's request for a meeting with specific lawmakers. This unexpected development…