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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…

A faction of lawmakers determined to unseat Speaker Fonati Koffa has stirred up some serious debate by electing a new Speaker, all while a legal battle unfolds at the Supreme Court of Liberia. On November 21, 2024, this group declared Koffa’s position as Speaker vacant and subsequently selected Richard Koon from the ruling Unity Party as his replacement. Facing this upheaval, Speaker Koffa stands firm, arguing that this breakaway faction is not constitutionally empowered to remove him. “Nothing has happened,” he asserted on…

In Malawi, Dzaleka—the nation’s sole refugee settlement—has begun to receive financial support to alleviate the repercussions of the El Niño weather phenomenon. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of KfW Development Bank and the African Risk Capacity Group, these insurance payouts total nearly U.S.$408,000. This initiative came to fruition after the UN refugee agency in Malawi utilized the group’s innovative Replica program. Essentially, this program allows humanitarian organizations to secure insurance on behalf of…

According to reports from UN agencies, a staggering statistic reveals that one out of every four individuals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is grappling with severe hunger—a crisis that impacts approximately 25.6 million people. The ongoing turmoil in eastern DRC has thrown a wrench in crucial agricultural activities while stunting the development of necessary infrastructure. This predicament is a byproduct of evolving dynamics among various armed factions and struggles over resources, compounded by deeply…

In a recent address, President Filipe Nyusi, who is nearing the end of his current term, urged for a constructive dialogue aimed at resolving the unrest that has swept through the nation over the past few weeks. These protests erupted following the October 9 elections, during which Daniel Chapo, the candidate for the ruling Frelimo party, was announced as the victor. Nyusi expressed his concerns, noting that the ongoing violence is detrimental to Mozambique's economy, stating that it “restricts business operations and port…

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, the Anglican Primate of Southern Africa, has issued a cautionary note suggesting that we may see an uptick in reports of misconduct involving church officials, especially following the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Welby's departure came on the heels of an investigation that unveiled his failure to report allegations of abuse perpetrated by John Smyth—a barrister, educator, and director of Christian camps—during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Smyth was a prominent figure…

Former president John Mahama, who’s now the presidential hopeful for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has leveled sharp critiques against President Nana Akufo-Addo's administration. He argues that the situation of youth unemployment has taken a turn for the worse, leaving many young Ghanaians struggling to find jobs. Mahama insists that the forthcoming elections "offer a vital chance" to change the nation’s leadership and, subsequently, its direction. During a recent campaign event in the eastern part of…

In a bold move, Eskom has put forth a proposal to raise electricity tariffs by a staggering 36%, set to launch in April 2025. This ambitious plan, pending approval from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa), includes further hikes: an 11.81% increase for the 2026/27 fiscal year, followed by another 9.10% jump in 2027/28. These proposed increases threaten to significantly tighten the grip on household budgets and overall living expenses. Reactions have been swift and severe. The Democratic Alliance (DA),…

The landscape of childhood is undergoing profound transformations, with UNICEF's latest flagship report, ‘The State of the World’s Children 2024: The Future of Childhood in a Changing World,’ shedding light on these crucial shifts just in time for World Children’s Day. This insightful report delves into the repercussions of three impending global trends that are redefining the lives of young people worldwide. It highlights alarming statistics, revealing that children now face a staggering eightfold increase in exposure to…

In a groundbreaking move, South Africa has stepped into the G20 presidency, marking a historic milestone as the first African nation to take the helm of this influential assembly of countries. The upcoming term is set to officially kick off on December 1, 2024, and will extend for a full calendar year. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his profound gratitude upon receiving the presidency from Brazil during the G20 summit held in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. “I stand here humbled and honored to accept the G20…