takes

In a historic leap forward, Thailand has emerged as the pioneer in Southeast Asia for legalizing same-sex marriages. With LGBTQ+ organizations rallying together, the nation aims to celebrate this groundbreaking moment by facilitating over 1,000 marriage registrations in a single day. After a relentless pursuit that spanned decades, Thailand joins the ranks of only two other Asian territories—Taiwan and Nepal—that have embraced marriage equality. The new law, which formally takes effect today, marks not just a shift in…

As President-elect John Mahama prepares to assume the highest office in Ghana on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, he faces a monumental task—leading a nation overwhelmed by its most severe economic crisis in decades. Mahama isn’t new to the political arena; he served as president from 2012 to 2017. His recent triumph over the ruling party's candidate, outgoing Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, marks a noteworthy comeback that has captured national attention. "The economic landscape is challenging," Mahama expressed shortly after…

Nearly two decades after the last execution, Zimbabwe has officially abolished the death penalty. This significant shift comes from a country where such a fate was all too real not long ago. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who himself was once on the perilous edge of facing the death penalty during the War of Independence in the 1960s, recently put his signature on legislation paving the way for this landmark change. The final execution took place via hanging back in 2005, largely because no one wanted to take on the grim…

In response to the surge in looting that has plagued humanitarian aid convoys in Gaza, fighters from Hamas and various other factions have united to form a new armed force. This move, fueled by escalating public outrage over the theft of crucial supplies, aims to restore some order amid the chaos. Reports from residents and insiders indicate that this newly established group has been actively engaging in operations against looters, even resulting in armed confrontations, with some thieves reported as casualties. Amid the…

This past weekend marked a significant shift in Botswana's political landscape as Duma Boko took the oath of office as the country's new president. This transition follows what many analysts are calling an unexpected defeat for the long-standing ruling party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Yusuf Bangura from The Premium Times raises an intriguing question: Why did the once-dominant BDP, often regarded as a political powerhouse, falter in this election? The outcome has left political strategists and citizens alike…

Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing'oei. Kenya's standing as a sanctuary for refugees has recently come under scrutiny following the controversial deportation of four Turkish citizens previously under asylum protection. This event has prompted serious questions: Can individuals truly find a refuge within Kenya, or is the nation merely a supporter of oppressive regimes? As of now, there remains a cloud of uncertainty surrounding the government's handling of these four men. Were they processed through the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a notable development, the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced a significant victory in its battle against terrorism. A meticulously executed twelve-hour operation in the Yaaqle region of Middle Shabelle resulted in the eradication of 27 operatives from the notorious Al-Shabaab. Among those neutralized were senior leaders of the militant group.“This focused operation successfully removed militants from the Kharijite faction, who had gathered under the auspices of hostile…

The ruling party in Georgia appears poised to outpace the pro-Western opposition in a highly scrutinized legislative election, as reflected by initial results that suggest a setback for the Caucasus nation’s ambitions to join the European Union. This crucial election in Georgia, nestled south of Russia, has been characterized by analysts as a pivotal moment that could steer the country towards either a European future or foster closer ties with Russia. With approximately 70% of precincts reporting their tallies, the…

US Vice President Kamala Harris recently characterized Donald Trump as "increasingly unhinged," expressing profound concern over his purported admiration for Adolf Hitler, as revealed by a former high-ranking aide. She described this praise as "incredibly dangerous" and alarming. This pointed critique from the Democratic leader surfaced a mere 13 days before the climactic day of their challenging presidential contest. Speaking outside her residence in Washington, Harris reacted to statements made by Trump's former chief of…

Nigeria has taken a significant leap forward in the battle against malaria, receiving a remarkable shipment of one million doses of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, courtesy of the Gavi Alliance. This marks a pivotal moment in the nation's ongoing struggle against this deadly disease. The vaccination campaign is slated to kick off in November, focusing on the states of Kebbi and Bayelsa, both of which suffer from high rates of malaria. With this move, Nigeria finds itself among the pioneering countries globally to embrace…