trade

In a troubling development, the Africa Centers for Disease Control (Africa CDC) has raised alarms over the deteriorating situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The region, already grappling with a serious outbreak of mpox, has seen escalating violence that has tragically compelled over 600 patients to abandon their treatment centers. This situation illustrates a grim reality: healthcare accessibility can crumble under the weight of conflict. Mpox, a viral disease that manifests through severe skin…

The Nigerian Senate has made headlines with its recent decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. This incident has stirred controversy, as she stands among the very few women in the 109-seat chamber. Her suspension followed accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio for sexual assault, a claim that has reverberated throughout the political landscape. The ethics committee of the Senate dismissed her allegations based on procedural errors. Their recommendation for her suspension came not…

The world of theater has lost one of its luminaries. Athol Fugard, the internationally celebrated South African playwright, novelist, director, and actor, passed away at the remarkable age of 92, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that continues to influence and inspire. His work has penetrated hearts and minds across the globe, delving deep into the complex tapestry of human experience and social justice. Fugard’s body of work is nothing short of monumental. His plays, rich with emotion and insight, reflect the…

Ethiopia's Maritime Ambitions: A New Horizon Edited By Ali MusaAxadle Times International–Monitoring Ethiopia is setting sail toward a promising future with a strategic initiative to amplify its maritime trade. The Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise—a beacon navigating the waters of national ambition—unveiled plans to acquire six state-of-the-art cargo ships. This investment aims to fortify the country's maritime trade capacity, with anticipated costs sailing between 150 million and 250…

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Charts a New Course with UAV Drones In a small East African country brimming with ambition and innovation, a remarkable stride has been made. Recently, the visionary Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, unveiled plans that not only cater to local needs but aim to extend beyond borders. Yes, the manufacture of UAV drones is not just a tale of regional development but one of global potential. Saturday was a day filled with anticipation and excitement, as the Prime Minister…

Mogadishu (AX) – Tensions yet again escalated in the Buqdharkayn district on Friday, as North Western State of Somalia forces and the SSC-Khatumo administration found themselves at crossroads, each attributing blame to the other for sparking the latest bout of heavy fighting. Such conflicts, especially in areas which have enjoyed relative calm, raise questions about the enduring quest for peace in the region. The Ministry of Interior of North Western State of Somalia released an intriguing narrative: it was SSC-Khatumo…

Approximately 80% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 in Sierra Leone have endured the harrowing experience of female genital mutilation (FGM), as per findings from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This tragic statistic reveals a practice that isn’t merely a ritual; it is a troubling cornerstone of identity for many communities within the country. As Kaata Minah, an African feminist activist and a 2024 Impact West Africa Fellow, elucidates in her writing for the Inter Press Service, this act is often perceived…

A recent UN report has shed light on the alarming situation faced by Muslim communities and Sudanese refugees in the Southeast Central African Republic (CAR). Commissioned by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) in conjunction with the UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, this comprehensive inquiry has surfaced harrowing evidence of egregious human rights violations committed by various armed groups. The findings paint a grim picture: summary executions, acts of sexual violence, instances of torture, and treatment that can only…

In a surprising twist, the government of Lesotho expressed its profound dismay over a statement made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. During a recent address to Congress, he asserted that "nobody has ever heard of" Lesotho while discussing proposed budget cuts, which notably include $8 million earmarked for LGBTQI+ initiatives in the country. The reaction from Lesotho was swift and resolute. Foreign Affairs Minister Lejone Mpotjoane characterized Trump's comments as "shocking." He underscored the depth of the…

Imagine this: in a dynamic yet challenging landscape, seven African nations — Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Benin, DR Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania — are poised for a significant economic transformation. The catalyst? A substantial $50 million trade deal orchestrated by British International Investment (BII) with a mission to unlock access to much-needed finance for local businesses. It's a move that seeks to revitalize these expanding economies, but what does it really mean for the people on the ground? As…