Central Africa: Civilians at Risk in Eastern Congo
Crackdown on Freedoms in Burundi, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Rwanda Abuses against civilians by government forces and armed groups have become rampant in the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2026. The Central African governments of Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, and the Central African […]
Burkina Faso’s Junta Pulls the Plug on Political Life
Military Rulers Dissolve All Political Parties On January 29, the junta’s Council of Ministers approved a decree dissolving all political parties in the country and a draft law repealing the legislation governing their operations and financing. The minister of territorial administration, Émile Zerbo, said the action is part of a broader effort to “rebuild the state,” […]
African cities that truly come alive at night
When the sun sets across Africa, a different energy emerges in its vibrant cities. This nightlife transcends typical clubbing, offering rich cultural experiences that engage all the senses. In Cape Town, evenings unfold slowly with scenic waterfront strolls and intimate jazz bars. Meanwhile, Lagos provides a dynamic rush of rooftop lounges, flavorful street food, and […]
Harry Potter-inspired sport sparks community spirit in Uganda
In a rural village in southern Uganda, a Harry Potter-inspired sport is fueling big dreams and stronger community ties. What began in 2013 when teacher John Ssentamu discovered Quidditch in the popular book series has grown into a thriving quadball team at Good Shepherd Primary School, where players race through banana-tree clearings with sticks between […]
Russia confirms troops helped Niger repel ISIL attack
Russia has confirmed that its troops helped Nigerien forces repel a coordinated attack on Niamey’s main airport, marking a rare strike on the capital and highlighting Moscow’s expanding military role in the Sahel. The assault, claimed by ISIL, left 20 attackers dead, several captured, and Nigerien soldiers wounded, with video showing fighters torching an aircraft […]
Washington eyes Sahel reset with visit to Bamako
The United States is signaling a fresh push to rebuild ties with Mali following a high-level visit to Bamako by Nick Checker, head of the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs. Talks with Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop centered on reviving security cooperation against jihadist groups while expanding trade and investment, reflecting Washington’s new “trade, not […]
South Africa lifts minimum wage by 5%
South Africa has approved a 5% increase in its national minimum wage, slightly beating expectations as the government tries to shield workers from rising living costs. The adjustment, guided by inflation data and labor commission recommendations, lifts hourly pay by $0.09 while boosting public works wages by nearly 10%. Officials say the move aims to […]
Brazil’s Iemanjá Festival honors African heritage
Thousands of people gathered along Salvador’s beaches this week to honor Iemanjá, the Yoruba goddess of the sea, in Brazil’s largest Afro-Caribbean festival. Fishermen carried baskets of flowers into open waters while worshippers offered perfume, jewelry, and prayers into the ocean, turning the shoreline into a moving celebration of faith and heritage. Rooted in traditions […]
US sends special military team to Nigeria
The United States has deployed a small, specialized military team to Nigeria to bolster the fight against escalating jihadist violence. This move follows recent US airstrikes in the country and signals increased collaboration between the two nations. According to a top US general, the team brings unique capabilities to augment Nigeria’s longstanding efforts against extremist […]
Google backs database to power voice AI for African languages
Google has teamed up with African universities and research centers to launch WAXAL, an open-source speech database built to power voice-based AI in African languages. Covering 21 languages and featuring over 11,000 hours of recordings, the dataset aims to improve tools like speech recognition, voice assistants, and text-to-speech systems across education, healthcare, and public services. […]
