reports

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…

Tragic Loss in Kenyan Politics: The Assassination of Charles Were On the evening of April 30, 2025, Nairobi witnessed a harrowing incident that sent shockwaves through the nation. Charles Were, a dedicated Kenyan lawmaker representing the Kasipul constituency, was tragically shot dead in a brazen attack by gunmen on motorcycles. This event, which unfolded outside a Nairobi hospital, reminds us of the volatile intersection of politics and violence in today's world. To visualize the scene: it’s around 7:30 PM, and the city…

Qatar's Prime Minister has reported that efforts to establish a new ceasefire in Gaza have shown some promise, yet a formal agreement between Israel and Hamas to conclude the conflict remains out of reach. “We noticed some progress on Thursday compared to earlier meetings. However, we must answer the fundamental question: how do we end this war? This is the crux of the negotiations,” stated Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who concurrently holds the position of Foreign Minister. In a related development, Mossad…

United Bank for Africa Reports Impressive First Quarter Profit Growth The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc recently unveiled its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, and the numbers are nothing short of remarkable. With a profit after tax soaring to N189.8 billion, the bank has shown a significant leap from N142.6 billion, reported in the same quarter of the previous year. This substantial growth paints a promising picture, but what does it truly indicate about UBA and the broader financial landscape? A…

As of Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the price of the OPEC basket, which comprises twelve distinct crudes, reached $69.94 a barrel. This figure represents a slight increase from the previous day's price of $69.65, as calculated by the OPEC Secretariat. This subtle shift in pricing might seem trivial at first glance, but it serves as a telling reflection of the intricate dance between supply and demand in the global oil market. Is it possible that such fluctuations are merely the calm before a more turbulent storm? The oil…

The Tensions in Elasha Biyaha: A Closer Look at Recent Developments Nestled roughly 15 kilometers from the bustling heart of Mogadishu, Elasha Biyaha is more than just a geographical marker on the map; it serves as a critical junction between the capital and militant strongholds entrenched in southern Somalia. This seemingly tranquil area has transformed into a focal point of conflict, with recent activities igniting palpable unease among its residents. Last month, unsettling reports surfaced of Al-Shabaab…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant development for Somalia's ongoing battle against extremism, Northeastern State security forces have reported the elimination of more than 40 ISIS fighters while reclaiming a pivotal stronghold in the northeastern Bari region. This decisive encounter unfolded during a 24-hour offensive and is seen as a landmark achievement in their campaign against the militant group. The operation, which commenced late Friday night in the rugged Togga Miiraale valley, is part of the third and final phase of…

In a recent announcement, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that his forces would honor a surprise Easter truce, as communicated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. This truce is set to last until midnight, even as air-raid sirens echoed throughout Kyiv. The proposed 30-hour truce represents a significant pause in the ongoing hostilities that have persisted throughout the three-year conflict. However, shortly after the ceasefire was scheduled to begin, air-raid sirens were activated in the Ukrainian capital.…

In a tragic escalation of conflict, a Russian drone strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro late last night has resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a young girl, as confirmed by local authorities. Dnipropetrovsk regional governor, Sergiy Lysak, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, "A massive UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) attack led to tragic consequences. Three people died in Dnipro, including a child." Among the deceased were a young girl and an elderly woman, highlighting the indiscriminate…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently expressed optimism regarding the negotiations with the United States, stating that negotiators are making "good progress" on a vital minerals deal aimed at securing much-needed US support. In his daily address, he noted, "The basic legal stuff is almost finalised, and then, if everything moves as quickly and constructively, the agreement will bring economic results to both our countries." This potential agreement revolves around the extraction of Ukraine's strategic minerals,…