Surge

Alarm bells are ringing louder than ever as the United Nations draws attention to the alarming surge of child rape incidents in the Congo, merely within the year's first two months. It's a heart-wrenching reality that UNICEF underscores—the tender and innocent, even the youngest among them, are not spared. This brutal narrative is not isolated; it's etched into reality, with sexual violence becoming a hauntingly regular occurrence. Local organizations, immersed in the firestorm of sexual violence, reveal that an…

Expanding Horizons: First National Bank's Strategic Growth in Africa As the world watches, Africa is blossoming into a hub of economic opportunities, with many eyes drawn to its burgeoning affluent demographic. In the midst of this transformation, a subsidiary of South Africa’s financial powerhouse, FirstRand Ltd., is keenly setting its gaze on Ghana. But what prompts a bank to venture into another country's market? The answer lies in the undeniable growth of Africa's affluent…

Today, shares across Asia and Europe saw a notable surge, and the frantic bond sell-off appears to have stabilized following a surprise announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump. The President indicated that he would temporarily lower the hefty tariffs he had recently imposed on numerous countries. However, the overnight rally in U.S. stocks and the dollar lost some of its momentum as tensions escalated between the U.S. and China, leaving investors baffled by the administration's inconsistent approach to tariffs. As…

In a troubling revelation, Amnesty International's recent report highlights that in 2024, the number of executions worldwide surged to its highest level in nearly a decade. This sobering news arrives at a time when several African countries, notably the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria, are contemplating the reintroduction of capital punishment—a move that stirs deep fears among human rights advocates. Imagine a landscape that has gradually tilted toward hope—a world where progress in human rights was not just a…

Navigating the Undulating Terrain of Nigeria's Oil Market Last week marked a significant shift in global oil prices, as crude oil saw its value tumble to depths not seen since 2021. Was it former President Trump's imposing import tariffs that sparked this? Perhaps it was the unexpected increase in oil supply by OPEC+ that sent ripples through the market, slicing a hefty $10 from global benchmarks per barrel. And suddenly, by Friday, the crude oil prices had plummeted to $65 a barrel. For many, this…

Ghana’s digital payments realm is a fascinating mosaic of resilience and evolution, continually adapting to the ever-changing landscape of financial technology. Despite the intermittent shuffle of regulations, this sector remains unyielding in its growth trajectory. A recent surge in the numbers paints a vivid picture of this steadfast expansion. Picture yourself in January 2025. A new year, fresh beginnings, yet the drive of the digital world roars on. Mobile money transactions scaled an impressive GH₵333…

In the aftermath of a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake, efforts to rescue survivors in Myanmar and Bangkok are underway, three days after the devastating disaster struck Southeast Asia, claiming the lives of approximately 2,000 people. According to Myanmar's ruling junta, the death toll has risen to 2,056, with over 270 individuals still unaccounted for following the quake that rocked the region on Friday. Rescue teams have successfully extracted four survivors, including a pregnant woman and a young girl, from the debris…

Al-Shabaab's Evolving Tactics Amidst Intensifying Pressures Recently, an intriguing development has emerged in the complex narrative of Al-Shabaab, a group that has cast a long shadow over Somalia's peace efforts. Notably absent this year are the public displays that once were a cornerstone of Al-Shabaab's propaganda machinery. It's a subtle yet profound shift, raising pressing questions about the group's current state and its capacity to project power. "In the face of tumultuous times, even the mighty must…

Al-Shabaab's Intensified Campaigns: A Closer Look at Somalia's Recent Conflict NAIROBI, Kenya - In the heart of East Africa, Somalia stands as a nation grappling with a relentless adversary. Al-Shabaab, a militant group with a tumultuous history, has recently escalated its attacks, particularly in the central and southern regions. This surge in violence has sparked a vigorous response from federal troops, the United States military, and African Union forces, unfolding a distinctive pattern over the recent months.…

In the heart of the Horn of Africa, a spirited struggle for peace and stability is unfolding. Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre stands at the forefront of this effort, unyielding in his vow to eradicate the militant factions that threaten Somalia's future. As operations surge in the regions of Hirshabelle and Southwest States, the determination of the government resonates with every heartbeat of its citizens. On a serene Wednesday evening, under the gentle glow of the moon, an Iftar gathering buzzed with hope…