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Benin has recently appointed acclaimed American filmmaker Spike Lee, alongside his wife, producer and author Tonya Lewis Lee, as ambassadors dedicated to connecting with African-Americans in the United States. Their mission transcends mere symbolism; it aims to strengthen bonds between Benin and the diaspora, while fostering cultural tourism and supporting initiatives that guide individuals back to their ancestral roots. This important announcement took place during the couple's visit to Benin's vibrant capital, Cotonou,…

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has delivered a significant verdict regarding Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, the former head of football for the Central African Republic (CAR). He has been found guilty of 28 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing pursuit of justice as it reflects the court's commitment to addressing the atrocities committed during a brutal conflict that has scarred the nation. In a trial that spanned nearly four years, more than 170 witnesses…

The recent decision by the UK government to slash foreign aid spending by a staggering 40% has raised a wave of concerns regarding its ramifications for humanitarian efforts, particularly across the African continent. This significant budget reduction has sent ripples of anxiety through various sectors, notably health and education. The Prime Minister described this juncture as a "painful choice," a term that may indeed resonate with those on the front lines of aid work. This move mirrors a troubling trend initiated by past…

In a profound response to a tragic incident at Manyame Bridge on the Chitungwiza Highway, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has designated the event as a national disaster. This declaration serves as a clarion call for urgent and comprehensive reforms aimed at addressing what he has aptly dubbed the "bloody traffic jungle" that has become synonymous with Zimbabwean roads. Reflecting on the recent calamity, which involved a collision between a truck and an omnibus, Mnangagwa underscored the grim reality that Zimbabweans face…

Human Rights Watch has made a compelling appeal to Niger's military junta: they demand the immediate release of former President Mohamed Bazoum, who was abruptly ousted in a military coup in 2023. Under the command of General Abdourahamane Tiani, army officers dismantled the governance structure and apprehended both Bazoum and his wife. Such actions raise serious questions about the future of democracy in Niger. Ilaria Allegrozzi, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, emphatically remarked, “Every day that former President…

It has been over a decade since the harrowing abduction of 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram militants in Chibok, Nigeria. Yet, the heartbreak lingers for the families of the 87 girls still unaccounted for. This lingering pain brings them to a singular, urgent plea: that the government offer more than mere assurances; they demand tangible action. In a poignant statement, the parents acknowledged the efforts of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who played a significant role in securing the release of 103 girls. Nevertheless,…

In recent weeks, an intriguing tug-of-war has emerged within Zimbabwe's ruling party. A faction is fervently championing the idea of President Emmerson Mnangagwa pursuing a third term in office, a proposition that ignites deep divisions within Zanu-PF. Meanwhile, another faction rallies around the president's deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, positioning him as a viable alternative for leadership. What does this power struggle reveal about the dynamics at play in Zimbabwean politics? Experts are weighing in on the implications…

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a poignant plea to the military junta and its allies, notably the Russia-supported Wagner Group, urging an immediate cessation of the executions targeting ethnic Fulani men in Mali. Furthermore, they demand transparency regarding the fate of those detained since the year's outset. In a region fraught with violence, HRW's call echoes the urgent need for accountability and justice. Since January, a grim tally has emerged: at least a dozen Fulani men have been executed while approximately 81…

The long-standing rivalry between South Africa's Banyana Banyana and Nigeria's Super Falcons is set to ignite once again at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Scheduled for Tuesday, this semifinal clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, steeped in history and passion. South Africa's journey to this stage has been nothing short of dramatic. They faced a determined Senegal team and emerged victorious after a nail-biting penalty shootout, winning 4-1. The resilience they exhibited during this match not only…

The management of the Police Hospital, a prominent referral institution in the country, has made a poignant announcement. They will soon conduct a mass burial for 300 bodies, a somber collection that includes former patients, abandoned corpses, and victims of various tragedies, such as accidents and crimes. This initiative poses an important ethical question: How should societies honor the lives of those who have passed without proper remembrance? “This solemn task is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that the deceased…