East Africa

South Africa hold Nigeria to 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein as qualification drama deepens Bloemfontein — Nigeria's Super Eagles left South Africa on a knife edge after a 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein on Saturday, a match that keeps both teams' World Cup qualification hopes very much alive but leaves the path forward markedly different for the two nations. The result means South Africa sit six points clear at the top of their group and can all but seal progression if they pick up a single point from the two…

Africa’s quiet emergency: rising suicide rates meet a shrinking safety net When Namibia’s Vice President Netumbo Nandi‑Ndaitwah told Parliament this year that 542 people had died by suicide between 2023 and 2024, she broke a painful public silence. Her warning — that Namibia now has the highest suicide rate in Africa — landed alongside a stark global tally from the World Health Organization: more than 720,000 people die by suicide each year, and suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for 15- to 29‑year‑olds, most…

Simone Gbagbo's Candidacy: A Historic Turn in Ivory Coast's Political Landscape In an unexpected twist within Ivory Coast's tumultuous political arena, former First Lady Simone Gbagbo has been cleared to run in the upcoming presidential elections slated for October 25th. Her candidacy marks not only a significant moment in her personal narrative but also a potentially transformative chapter for a nation still grappling with the scars of conflict and political division. A Legacy of Resilience Simone Gbagbo, once a…

Ghana Welcomes the First Wave of West African Deportees: A Complex Narrative of Immigration and Diplomacy In a significant development that highlights the intricate web of international relations and the human stories behind immigration policy, Ghanaian President John Mahama recently announced the arrival of the first group of West African deportees from the United States. The event, which saw 14 individuals—predominantly Nigerians—and a Gambian citizen land on Ghanaian soil, unfolds amid broader geopolitical dynamics…

Somalia seeks $40 million to launch new shilling notes in push to end counterfeit era MOGADISHU — Somalia’s government says it is $40 million short of the cash it needs to print a new series of Somali shilling banknotes — a long-promised overhaul officials argue is essential to restoring confidence in the currency and curbing the counterfeit notes that dominate everyday transactions. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre told reporters the total cost of the rollout is about $70 million. Somalia has secured $30 million in…

Egypt announces troop deployment to Somalia, intensifying Horn of Africa contest Egypt has announced it will deploy troops to Somalia under a bilateral security agreement, a move Cairo says is intended to bolster counter‑terrorism operations and help stabilize the war‑torn Horn of Africa nation. Officials described the steps as the completion of planning for the deployment, but they provided few operational details, leaving open questions about the size, mandate and timetable of the force. What Cairo says Egyptian…

Millions vote in Malawi in high-stakes rematch driven by economic angst Millions of Malawians queued at polling stations across the southern African country on Tuesday to choose a new president in what has become a symbolic test of the nation’s democratic institutions and a high-stakes rematch between President Lazarus Chakwera and former president Peter Mutharika. From the market stalls of Blantyre to the maize fields of rural districts, the atmosphere was charged. Campaign posters still hung on lamp posts, and the thrum…

Burkina Faso's Bold Move: Visa-Free Travel for African Citizens In a significant stride towards Pan-African integration, Burkina Faso has announced the elimination of visa fees for all African travelers. This refreshing decision, articulated by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, aims to foster the free movement of people and goods across the continent—a dream long cherished by many as a pillar of the African Union's agenda. The Vision Behind the Decision Burkina Faso's new policy envisions a continent less shackled by…

Insurgency in Cabo Degaldo: A Struggle for Survival In the heart of Cabo Degaldo province, Mozambique, a chilling echo of violence reverberated through the quiet of a Sunday night. Insurgents armed with lethal intent knocked on doors, summoning their victims one by one, leaving a trail of fear and despair. Among the fallen were police officers, once protectors now turned targets, underscoring the alarming evolution of this violent insurgency, which has claimed over 6,000 lives since its onset in 2017. The Human Toll of…

Legal Battle Highlights Tensions Between Equatorial Guinea and France In a world where power dynamics frequently shift like sand, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently cast its judgment, reinforcing France's hold over a luxury Parisian mansion previously owned by the son of Equatorial Guinea's long-time president. This legal dispute has not only unearthed questions of sovereignty and legality but also raised broader issues about international corruption and governance in African politics. A Property with a…