Home of Prominent Zimbabwe Opposition Leader Bombed
Authorities Should Impartially Investigate, Prosecute Perpetrators In the early hours of August 30, unidentified perpetrators bombed the home of Job Sikhala, a prominent critic of Zimbabwe’s government. Video shared on social media and reviewed by researchers shows damage to Sikhala’s house, including to the windows, facade, roof, and a car parked outside. Sikhala reported that […]
Bye-bye Arusha Accords as Burundi solidifies one-party rule
Burundi’s recent legislative elections delivered a final blow to political pluralism in the small Central African country. The ruling party won all contested seats in the National Assembly and the Senate. Local elections wrapped up last week, ending an electoral cycle that started in June. While the Constitutional Court validated the outcome, it reflects not […]
AU Sounds Alarm Over US Deportation Deals with African Nations
The African Union has voiced unease over US migrant transfer deals with Rwanda, Uganda, and other African states, warning they risk casting the continent as a convenient “drop-off zone” for deportees. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights said the agreements reflect Washington’s strategy of outsourcing its migration challenges, while placing African nations in a politically […]
South Africa Confirms Taiwan Office Relocation to Johannesburg
South Africa has confirmed plans to relocate the Taiwan office from Pretoria to Johannesburg and rebrand it as the Taiwan Commercial Office. Minister Ronald Lamola explained that the shift reflects South Africa’s stance of engaging Taiwan strictly on trade and commerce, in line with practices in other capitals worldwide. The move, initially scheduled for October 2024, was […]
Tanzanian Opposition Leader Calls Treason Trial a “Death Sentence” for Democracy
In Tanzania, opposition leader Tundu Lissu faces treason charges after calling for electoral reforms and urging civil resistance against what he terms a “rigged process.” Lissu, arrested in April, argues his “crime” is simply demanding free and fair elections. Nevertheless, he insists his opposition is vital for democracy. Lissu’s trial, rooted in speech rather than violence, highlights […]
Ghana’s President Dismisses Chief Justice After Misconduct Inquiry
In an unprecedented move, Ghana’s President John Mahama has removed Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office. This historic decision follows the recommendation of a five-member investigative committee that reviewed petitions alleging misconduct against her. The committee, which examined 10,000 pages of evidence and heard from numerous witnesses, concluded that grounds for “stated misbehavior” had been established, resulting […]
Angola to Start Fuel Production at First New Refinery in 50 Years
Angola is set to launch fuel production at its first new refinery in 50 years, marking a milestone in efforts to reduce dependence on costly imports. The Cabinda refinery, with an initial capacity of 30,000 barrels per day, is expected to begin operations before the end of 2025, supplying up to 10% of domestic fuel demand. This […]
Kenya Enlists Former Trump Ally to Boost Washington Influence
Kenya has tapped a former Trump administration official to strengthen its presence in Washington, hiring Continental Strategy, a lobbying firm led by ex-US ambassador Carlos Trujillo. The deal, worth $175,000 a month plus expenses, comes at a time of global upheaval that has seen some nations tilt toward China and Russia and others stay neutral. Defending […]
Burkina Faso Criminalizes Homosexuality in New Junta-backed Law
Burkina Faso’s military government has enacted a new law criminalizing homosexuality, marking a significant shift in the nation’s legal landscape. The legislation, which was unanimously passed by an unelected transitional parliament, imposes prison sentences of two to five years and hefty fines for same-sex acts. Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala confirmed that offenders will face prosecution, […]
Nigeria Inks Major Deepwater Deal with TotalEnergies to Boost Energy Security
Nigeria has cemented a significant new partnership with energy giant TotalEnergies to develop its deepwater oil potential. The production-sharing contract, which includes local firm South Atlantic Petroleum (Sapetro), covers two major offshore blocks spanning approximately 2,000 square kilometers in the Niger Delta Basin. Under the agreement, TotalEnergies will hold an 80% contractor interest, spearheading the exploration […]
