African Update

The latest news stories from Africa

Hear news for the African Community at 7am, 11am and 3pm every weekday on Revolution Radio

15/4/2024

Dozens of Russian military instructors have arrived in Niger as part of a new agreement with the country's junta, which has cut links with the West.

State media reported that they arrived along with a state-of-the-art air defence system.

They are expected to install the system and teach Niger's army how to use it.

Somali pirates have released a Bangladesh-flagged vessel and its 23-member crew after a ransom was reportedly paid.

The MV Abdullah was carrying coal from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when it was hijacked off Somalia's coast about a month ago.

The pirates alleged that they received $5m (£4m), but there is no independent confirmation of the claim.

A spike in hijackings has been reported off Somalia's coast in recent months.

8/4/2024

Russell Cook, the man nicknamed "Hardest Geezer", has successfully run the full length of Africa, crossing the finish line in Tunisia after 352 days.

Before he set off on the mammoth challenge to run the entire length of Africa, he said he hoped to look back at his life and have no regrets.

The 27-year-old from Worthing, West Sussex, said he had struggled with his mental health, gambling and drinking, and wanted to "make a difference".

After running through 16 countries, he has raised in excess of £700,000 for charity and has completed his final run.

Zimbabwe has introduced a new gold-backed currency called ZiG - the name stands for "Zimbabwe Gold".

It is the latest attempt to stabilise an economy that has lurched from crisis to crisis for the past 25 years.

Sierra Leone's president has declared a national emergency over rampant drug abuse.

Kush, a psychoactive blend of addictive substances, has been prevalent in the country for years.

President Julius Maada Bio called the drug a "death trap" and said it posed an "existential crisis".

One of the drug's many ingredients is human bones - security has been tightened in cemeteries to stop addicts digging up skeletons from graves.

2/4/2024

Several African leaders have arrived in Senegal for the inauguration of President-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Mr Faye won last month's delayed elections, securing 54% of the total votes ahead of his main challenger, ruling coalition candidate Amadou Ba.

On Friday, the country’s constitutional council confirmed him as the winner of the election.

Security has been beefed up around the presidential palace ahead of the swearing-in.

Power has been restored in Tanzania after a massive nationwide blackout that affected several islands and most of the mainland on Monday.

The electricity outage struck shortly after 02:00 local time on Monday, privately owned newspaper Daily Citizen reported.

State-run power company Tanesco said the outage was caused by a technical fault at the Kidatu hydroelectric power plant in the east of the country.

Almost a year since civil war broke out in Sudan, the country's most successful football club Al Hilal say they keep playing to offer "a distraction" to people back home.

The conflict has killed over 14,000 people, forced eight million to flee their homes and the United Nations has warned it could trigger the world's largest hunger crisis.

22/3/2024

Tanzania's Vice-President Philip Mpango has threatened to resign over a prolonged water crisis affecting residents from the northern Mwanga district.

Mr Mpango on Thursday accused contractors working on a major project aimed at supplying water in the region of taking too long time to complete it.

The project worth over $100,000 (£79,000) was started close to 20 years ago, according to Mr Mpango.

Rwanda has received 91 refugees and asylum seekers from Libya under a programme supported by the UN's refugee agency, African Union and European Union.

The arrivals include 38 Sudanese people, 33 Eritreans, 11 Somalis, seven Ethiopians and two people from South Sudan.#

Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi has criticised proposed legislation in Britain to ban the import of trophies from hunted endangered animals, including elephant tusks.

The British government says the ban will play an important role in protecting threatened wildlife.

But Mr Masisi defended trophy hunting as a means of controlling the population of elephants, describing UK plans to ban it as "condescending" and "colonial conquest".

15/3/2024

Major internet disruption has been reported in various countries across Africa.

Widespread outages were reported on Thursday in countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Benin, Ghana and Burkina Faso.

Since then, services have largely been restored in Liberia and South Africa.

The cause of the cable failures was not immediately clear, to the frustration of millions of customers around the continent.

Senegal's opposition leader Ousmane Sonko and the presidential candidate he is backing in this month's delayed election, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, have been released from prison.

The two met thousands of their jubilant supporters in the capital, Dakar, after their release late on Thursday.

Their release followed an amnesty announced by President Macky Sall.

Militants from the al-Shabab group have attacked a hotel near the presidential palace in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, security sources and witnesses say.

The Islamist group has attacked the Syl Hotel before, which is popular with government officials.

Witnesses reported blasts and gunfire coming from the hotel, telling Reuters news agency fighters were inside.

Media affiliated with the group say four Somali MPs were wounded. The government has not commented.

12/3/2024

A TV anchor who was acquitted of murder has now been hired for a senior job in the Kenyan government.

Jacque Maribe was cleared of murdering a businesswoman called Monica Kimani, who was found with her throat slit. But Ms Maribe's ex-partner Joseph Irungu, also known as "Jowie", was found guilty.

Giving the verdict last month, the judge said Ms Maribe should instead be prosecuted for giving the police false information.

However she has since been appointed as head of communications for Kenya's Ministry of Public Service, Performance and Delivery Management, prompting criticism.

Representatives from Ethiopia's federal government and the Tigray regional state have started talks in Addis Ababa to end the delays in implementing the Pretoria peace agreement.

The deal, brokered between the two parties and signed in South Africa in November 2022, aims to bring stability to the region after the conflict between the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and the federal government that started in November 2020.

Challenges in implementing the agreement have caused tensions, prompting the African Union to mediate discussions to find a resolution.

The Nigerian government has identified schools in at least 14 states and the capital, Abuja, as vulnerable to attacks following a renewed wave of mass abductions of students.

Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Benue, Yobe, Katsina, Abuja, Kebbi, Sokoto, Plateau and Zamfara are among the most vulnerable states, according to the agency.

This comes amidst a surge in kidnappings in Nigeria.

4/3/2024

The United States government has imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa, along with other senior officials, for corruption and human rights abuses.

On Monday the US government said leaders in Zimbabwe were siphoning off public resources for personal gain.

As Ghana prepares to host the delayed 2023 African Games, local organisers have played down concerns, saying the country is "fully prepared" and "ready" to stage the multi-sport event.

The Games, originally scheduled to start in August 2023, were postponed because of a disagreement over marketing rights which delayed the completion of facilities.

Guinness World Records (GWR) has dismissed a Ghanaian chef's attempt to break the world record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, her team says.

In January, Failatu Abdul-Razak appeared to have broken the world record after cooking non-stop for more than 227 hours.

The co-ordinator of Ms Abdul-Razak's challenge, Kafui Dey, on Sunday said that her attempt at breaking the record "unfortunately fell short of meeting the stringent guidelines set forth by Guinness World Records".

27/2/2024

Dozens of people have been shot dead at a mosque on the same day that a church was attacked, say the authorities in Burkina Faso.

It was during early-morning prayers that the gunmen surrounded the mosque in Natiaboani town.

"The victims were all Muslims, most of them men," a local resident told the AFP news agency.

More than a third of Burkina Faso is currently under the control of Islamist insurgents.

The attackers are suspected to be Islamist fighters who also targeted soldiers and a self-defence militia stationed locally that same day.

The Nigerian army has issued a rare statement denying reports of an alleged coup plot within its ranks.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the suggestion was categorically false and called on the public to ignore it.

The statement follows a report from the Sahara Reporters news site that the Presidential Guard, an elite military unit responsible for protecting the president, had been mobilised because of the suspected coup.

The report alleged that emergency meetings had been held with the Nigerian president.

Heavy fighting has flared up again in several parts of the Ethiopian region of Amhara, where government troops are battling local militia.

Artillery has been used in the latest clashes between soldiers and the Fano militia.

The Ethiopian authorities have banned any movement on a road linking two cities - Debre Birhan and Dese - potentially signalling a major offensive. The army says it cleared another route, south of the town of Merawi.

21/2/2024

Famine continues to affect Ethiopia with a new report from the national ombudsman indicating that about 400 people are thought to have starved to death in the past six months in the Tigray and Amhara regions.

Thousands of children have dropped out from school and search for wild berries and leaves to feed their families.

The central government denies anyone has died from hunger.

A 13-year-old school boy in South Africa, arrested after allegedly shooting and injuring his principal, may be tried as an adult, the prosecuting authority says.

The boy, who has not been named, has been charged with attempted murder.

His alleged 51-year-old victim is currently recovering in intensive care in hospital.

The shooting has shocked many people in South Africa, where there is growing concern over violence in schools.

A zookeeper at a Nigerian university has been killed by one of the lions he had been looking after for close to a decade.

Olabode Olawuyi, who was in charge of the zoo at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), was attacked as he was feeding the lions, the university said in a statement.

His colleagues were unable to save him as one of the lions had already fatally wounded him, the university added.

The lion has since been put down.

15/2/2024

The Islamic police in Nigeria’s northern state of Kano say they have arrested a popular female TikToker for posting “indecent and un-Islamic” content on the social media app.

Two weeks ago the police unit, known as Hisbah, launched a manhunt for six TikTokers who they say constantly violate Islamic guidelines in their use of social media.

A Congolese footballer has landed back in his home country after a political gesture appeared to cost him his place at a top Rwandan club.

Rayon Sports says it has "parted ways" with midfielder Heritier Luvumbu.

Hours earlier he had been given a six-month ban over a gesture that expressed solidarity with war victims in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Liberia's President Joseph Boakai has appointed a retired female brigadier general, Geraldine George, as the acting minister of defence after protests by the wives of soldiers forced the resignation of her predecessor.

This is the first time a woman is serving in the post, though it is unclear why Mrs George has been appointed only in an acting capacity.

12/2/2024

After a record number of goals, unrelenting shocks and an apparent capacity for unceasing drama, the Africa Cup of Nations finished on Sunday as hosts Ivory Coast came from a goal behind to beat former champions Nigeria 2-1 and be crowned kings of Africa.

The co-founder of Access Bank, one of the largest banks in Nigeria, was among six people killed in a helicopter crash in California on Friday.

Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son, and a former president of the Nigerian stock exchange were all killed in the crash.

President Bola Tinubu described the death of Mr Wigwe as an "overwhelming tragedy".

Investigators are scouring the site in southern Californian desert to determine the cause of the crash.

The chartered helicopter was on its way from from Palm Springs to Boulder City in Nevada when it went down about 96km (60 miles) from Las Vegas.

Violent protests in Senegal against the postponement of presidential elections have spread across the country, with the first fatality reported.

A student died in clashes with police on Friday in the northern city of Saint-Louis, an opposition leader and a local hospital source said.

In the capital Dakar, security forces fired tear gas to disperse the crowds.

The 25 February elections were delayed until 15 December, with President Macky Sall denying clinging on to power.

Mr Sall had earlier called off the polls indefinitely, arguing this was needed to resolve a dispute over the eligibility of presidential candidates.

7/2/2024

In Kenya, a cult leader, Paul Mackenzie, has been charged with murder after more than 400 bodies were discovered buried in shallow graves in a remote forest in the east of the country. Survivors and victims' families allege that Mackenzie encouraged followers to fast in order to "go see Jesus." Mackenzie, along with 29 others, pleaded not guilty in a court in the coastal town of Malindi. Previously charged with acts of terror, child cruelty, and torture, Mackenzie denies all accusations. Police and prosecutors suspect that some victims may have been strangled, suffocated, or beaten to death. The 30 accused individuals face charges related to the murder of 191 people.

Meanwhile, in Senegal, tensions rise as protesters clash with riot police outside parliament. Lawmakers inside passed a controversial bill to extend President Macky Sall's tenure and delay elections, leading to accusations of a "constitutional coup" by opposition figures. Calls for protest and legal action have emerged from political coalitions against the decision.

In music news, South African singer Tyla's Grammy win for Best African Music Performance has ignited rivalry between South Africa and Nigeria. Tyla's victory over four Nigerian nominees marks a significant moment in the two nations' musical history, with widespread acclaim for the introduction of the award despite some criticism of its delayed inception.

Lastly, members of the DR Congo's Africa Cup of Nations squad seize the international spotlight to advocate for peace in the troubled eastern region of their country, plagued by armed conflict among various rebel groups.

1/2/2024

YouTube has terminated the official channel of disgraced Nigerian televangelist TB Joshua's megachurch for violating its hate speech policies. It had more than half a million followers on the platform.

It comes weeks after an investigation by the BBC and openDemocracy uncovered evidence of widespread sexual abuse and torture by the late preacher.

TB Joshua died in 2021, but his Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan) is now run by his wife Evelyn Joshua.

The church has not commented on the removal, but has said previous allegations of wrongdoing have been "unfounded".

Ethiopia's premier says that the first aircraft built in Ethiopia in 1935 has been handed back to the country by Italy.

It had been taken during Italy's fascist era during the occupation of what was then Abyssinia, eventually going on display in the Italian Aviation Museum in Rome.

Zambia is battling the worst Cholera outbreak in decades

After decades of progress against cholera, the disease has seen a global upsurge since 2021.

More than one million people are thought to be infected with cholera every year.

Afghanistan and Syria have suffered huge outbreaks, but in 2023 over half of the countries reporting cases were from Africa.

Zambia is among the latest to battle its worst outbreak in decades and it's vaccination rollout is under pressure as stocks face increased global demand.

29/1/2024

In Burkina Faso, the West African nation has received a significant humanitarian boost with 25,000 tonnes of free wheat from Russia. The delivery is seen as a "priceless gift," strengthening ties between the two nations since military coups in 2022. Burkina Faso battles severe crises, including an Islamist insurgency, acute food shortages, and a large displaced population. The wheat consignment aims to support the nation's development and reduce dependence on foreign aid.

Switching to Kenya, major cities witness demonstrations protesting against rising femicide and violence against women. Hundreds gather, demanding justice and declaring femicide a national emergency. Amnesty International reports over 500 femicide cases recorded in Kenya between 2016 and 2023. Campaigners emphasize the need for expedited justice, distinct classification of femicide, and awareness against victim-blaming.

In Kenya's political arena, President William Ruto faces legal setbacks as two separate courts rule against the government. One decision halts a new housing levy, while another denies the deployment of 1,000 police officers to Haiti. Analysts view these rulings as a testament to the judiciary's independence despite the president's accusations of corruption. Ruto's recent attacks on the judiciary face backlash, with critics highlighting the importance of judicial autonomy in upholding the rule of law.

22/1/2024

The world's first routine vaccine programme against malaria has started in Cameroon, in a move projected to save thousands of children's lives across Africa.

The symbolic first jab was given to a baby girl named Daniella

Every year 600,000 people die of malaria in Africa, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Children under five make up at least 80% of those deaths.

Cameroon is offering the RTS,S vaccine free of charge to all infants up to the age of six months old.

Houses have collapsed and roads and bridges been destroyed after heavy rains pounded Tanzania's coastal city of Dar es Salaam for two days.

A woman was swept away in the floods, while a child was missing, local radio quoted relatives as saying.

The destruction was most severe in neighbourhoods built along rivers that lead into the Indian Ocean.

Liberia's new President Joseph Boakai failed to reach the end of his speech and had to be helped away from the podium during his swearing-in ceremony.

Mr Boakai, 79, had been speaking for around 30 minutes at his inauguration ceremony when it became clear that he was having difficulty continuing.

He failed twice to carry on speaking, and the ceremony was adjourned.

Some reports suggested that he suffered from heat exhaustion as the temperature reached more than 30C.

17/1/2024

More than 200 people have starved to death since July in Edaga Arbi town, in Ethiopia's drought-hit and war-scarred Tigray region, local authorities say.

Another 16 have died in nearby Adwa town.

Officials in Tigray warn the region is on the brink of famine on a scale last seen in 1984, prompting the global fundraising music event Live Aid the following year.

A suspected Kenyan cult leader is to be charged with murder and terrorism over the deaths of more than 400 people found in mass graves, prosecutors say.

Paul Mackenzie was arrested in April after the discovery of hundreds of bodies, some of whom were said to have starved themselves to death.

Kenyan prosecutors say that he and 94 others will be charged in court in Malindi.

Fresh criminal charges against Angolan billionaire Isabel dos Santos are politically motivated, a lawyer for the businesswoman has said.

Angola's public prosecutor has charged Ms Dos Santos with 12 crimes, including embezzlement and fraud, reports said.

The charges relate to Ms Dos Santos' time as chair of a state-owned oil firm.

11/1/2024

Burundi has closed its borders with Rwanda after accusing its neighbour of funding rebel attacks.

Last December Red Tabara, a Burundian rebel group, killed 20 people near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Rwandan President Paul Kagame denies the charge, but Burundi's government has branded him a "bad neighbour".

A UN helicopter crash-landed in an area controlled by armed Islamists in Somalia after its main rotor blade was hit by an object, a UN source has said.

Al-Shabab fighters seized the helicopter, with unverified reports suggesting that a passenger was shot dead, the source told the BBC.

A further six people on board are being held by the militants, while two reportedly escaped, the source added.

The helicopter was on a medical mission when it landed near a village.

The UN mission in Somalia confirmed an "aviation incident" on Wednesday involving a UN-contracted helicopter.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is getting underway with the final one of 10 matches in the tournament shown live on the BBC.

Saturday's tournament opener between hosts Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau along with two quarter-finals and both semi-finals are included as well as highlights.

8/1/2024

The Constitutional Court of the Democratic Republic of Congo is due to begin hearing a challenge into last month's presidential election.

The petition to annul the presidential results was submitted last week by Théodore Ngoy, who came last with 0.02% of the vote.

He termed the results a "sham".

The two main opposition candidates, Moïse Katumbi and Martin Fayulu, disputed the results but declined to challenge them in court.

Kenya is facing a backlash over the visa-free entry policy introduced for all foreigners this month, with some terming it "hectic".

President William Ruto announced the policy last month to advocate for a visa-free travel within the African continent.

The South African presidency has dismissed social media reports claiming President Cyril Ramaphosa had been taken ill and was admitted to a military hospital in the capital, Pretoria.

This is after Mr Ramaphosa failed to attend a meeting organised by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) on Sunday due to an unexplained “emergency”.

"The president is fine, he was never hospitalised, and there was no emergency," a presidential spokesperson said.

19/12/2023

In Senegal, a court has ordered the reinstatement of opposition leader Sonko to the electoral list, reshaping the political scene ahead of crucial elections. The decision, amidst political tensions, is seen as a significant moment for the opposition.

Over to Guinea, where a tragic explosion at an oil terminal in Conakry has claimed eight lives. This incident at the nation's only oil terminal highlights critical issues regarding industrial safety and emergency preparedness in the region.

In environmental news, the Green Wall project, an ambitious initiative to combat desertification in the African Sahara, is facing setbacks. Challenges such as funding shortfalls and logistical issues are hindering this vital effort to restore and preserve the region's ecological balance.

7/12/2023

Rwandan opposition politician Victoire Ingabire challenges the UK-Rwanda asylum deal, urging the UK to address human rights abuses. Ingabire emphasizes the need for Britain to push Rwanda to improve its human rights record and suggests concrete measures to protect opposition figures.

Tragic news from Ethiopia's Tigray region, as the war claims the lives of 76 athletes, including promising youth competitors. The conflict, ongoing since 2020, led to thousands of deaths and famine-like conditions.

In Ethiopia's Amhara region, a drone strike hits an ambulance, killing five civilians. Witnesses report injuries, including the head of a local hospital, as federal forces use drones amid escalating violence.

5/12/2023

In South Africa, political violence surfaces 30 years post-apartheid. Tragically, over 20 councillors have been killed in the past year, revealing internal strife within the ANC.

Guinea-Bissau faces political turmoil as President Umaro Sissoco Embalo dissolves parliament after surviving an attempted coup. Tensions escalate, with opposition dismissing the move as unconstitutional.

Meanwhile, criticism surrounds African nations' large delegations at COP28 in Dubai. Nigeria, Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, and Uganda face backlash for perceived financial extravagance amid rising concerns about basic commodities.

1/12/2023

In Germany, a landmark decision as a court sentences Gambian man Bai Lowe to life for crimes against humanity. He was part of 'the Junglers,' implicated in the murder of journalist Deyda Hydara and other atrocities during Yahya Jammeh's rule.

Cameroon's Health Minister urges trust in the new malaria vaccine despite scepticism. Dr. Manaouda Malachie highlights its benefits, emphasizing potential to save 2,000 children yearly.

Afrobeats star Rema announces health-focused break, canceling December performances. The Nigerian singer, known for hits like 'Calm Down,' captivated at London's O2 arena while addressing cultural significance. Fans await updates on ticket refunds.

28/11/2023

Violence in Sierra Leone: Thirteen soldiers are among 19 killed in coordinated attacks on a military barracks and prisons. Gunmen chanting to "clean" Sierra Leone triggered a nationwide curfew. The attacks are described as a serious breach by Information Minister Chernoh Bah. The situation remains tense in Freetown.

Missionary Freed in Mali: German missionary Father Hans Joachim Lohre, kidnapped a year ago in Bamako, Mali, has been released by Islamist militants linked to al-Qaeda. Details of his release are yet unknown. Kidnappings, while frequent in Mali, rarely occur in the capital.

Mass Abduction in Nigeria: Over 100 people abducted by gunmen in northwest Nigeria's Zamfara state. Villages were targeted after failing to pay a "tax." Kidnapping for ransom remains a growing concern, with armed gangs demanding millions of naira.

24/11/2023

Drought Crisis in Ethiopia: Tragedy strikes Ethiopia's Tigray and Amhara regions with over 50 deaths due to drought and an aid freeze. The humanitarian crisis worsens as the Horn of Africa grapples with failed rainy seasons since 2019. Severe food shortages and livestock losses compound the challenges faced by these regions.

Liberia's Election Fallout: Liberia's ruling party, Coalition for Democratic Change, alleges opposition interference in the presidential run-off vote. Despite opposition rigging claims, President Weah gracefully conceded to Joseph Boakai. Election observers declared the polls free and fair, yet allegations persist, raising tensions in the aftermath.

Malema's Parliament Suspension: South African opposition leader Julius Malema and EFF MPs receive a one-month suspension from parliament for contempt. Punished for storming the stage during President Ramaphosa's address, they must also apologize. Malema protests, emphasizing the upcoming suspension will block their attendance at the president's state of the nation address in February.

22/11/2023

37 people have lost their lives in a stampede during an army recruitment drive in Congo-Brazzaville. Youth unemployment, desperation, and a stadium crush are thought to have led to the tragedy.  The government are investigating.

In Liberia, three are dead and 28 hospitalized after a vehicle rammed President-elect Joseph Boakai's supporters. The incident, termed an 'act of terrorism' by his party, follows closely contested elections in the country.

And in Nigeria, Nicki Minaj has responded to a fan's disappointment about missing her 2024 tour, by hinting at a possible inclusion. Nigerian fans have expressed excitement at the news.

16/11/2023

Tributes are pouring in for Nigerian rapper Oladips, who passed away at 28. Known for addressing political issues and mental health in his music, his death leaves fans and fellow artists in shock.

In Liberia, the presidential run-off election shows an extremely tight race. Opposition candidate Joseph Boakai is just ahead of President George Weah, with 50.7% and 49.3% of the vote, respectively.

In Zambia, concerns rise as four opposition politicians, including former Justice Minister Given Lubinda, are arrested for various offenses. Critics worry about threats to democracy, while the government denies these allegations.

15/11/2023

Nigerian afrobeats star Mr Eazi dismisses rumors about a secret wedding, clarifying details in an interview with Naija FM. The artist, married to Temi Otedola, daughter of billionaire Femi Otedola, had a high-profile romance before tying the knot in 2022.

Shifting to Mali, the army claims victory in seizing Kidal, a key town held by Tuareg rebels for nearly a decade. The situation remains tense as the junta emphasizes its mission for territorial integrity, while the UN peacekeeping mission withdraws, leaving vacated bases in the hands of rebels and Islamist fighters.

Tragic news from Zimbabwe as the wife of abducted opposition activist Tapfumaneyi Masaya identifies his body. This incident adds to a series of kidnappings involving opposition figures and rights activists. Stay tuned for further updates. This has been your African community news brief. Thank you for joining us."

10/11/2023

In Ghana, authorities launch a manhunt for those responsible for cutting down a revered 300-year-old kola tree, with healing powers, sparking outrage among locals. The tree's historical significance and popularity made it a tourist attraction.

Shifting to Kenya, human rights lawyers claim the government is unlawfully evicting Ogiek hunter-gatherers from ancestral lands for carbon offsetting schemes, raising concerns about environmental protection and profit motives.

In Zimbabwe, the mayor of Harare faces potential removal in a political dispute within the main opposition party, CCC, triggered by allegations from an individual claiming to be a party official.

8/11/2023

In South Africa, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga recounted a harrowing gunpoint robbery on a highway, where she and her armed bodyguards were robbed of laptops, a phone, and their weapons, highlighting the country's persistent high crime levels.

Meanwhile, in Scotland's highest civil court, a case brought by Kenyan tea pickers against James Finlay Kenya Ltd was halted, advising the workers to seek redress in Kenya before proceeding in Scotland.

Tragically, an explosion at Canada's High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria, resulted in two fatalities and two injuries during generator maintenance. Canada is investigating the incident, indicating it might have been an accident rather than deliberate.

7/11/2023

South Africa has made a decisive move in response to Israel's intensified air strikes on Gaza, recalling all its diplomats from Tel Aviv. This action comes as the bombardment claimed around 200 lives, drawing condemnation from South Africa's government for what they term the continued killing of children and innocent civilians in the Palestinian territories.

In other news, Uganda's President Museveni downplays the US decision to expel his country from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The US cited Uganda's tough new anti-homosexuality law for the expulsion, impacting its duty-free exports of coffee and textiles to the United States. Despite this, President Museveni reassures Ugandans, urging them not to overly worry about the economic impact, emphasizing that the US is not a primary export market for the country.

Tragic events unfold in southwestern Cameroon, where suspected separatist rebels launched an overnight attack on a village, claiming at least 20 lives and leaving many injured. This violence is part of the ongoing conflict between separatists and government troops, causing widespread atrocities and displacing close to a million people.

3/11/2023

In South Africa, the nation's rugby team, the Springboks, have kicked off a victory tour after winning the World Cup for a record fourth time. Thousands of fans lined the streets in Pretoria to celebrate their champions. President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the crowd, praising the team for uniting the South African people.

In Nigeria, militant group Boko Haram has killed 20 mourners returning from the burial of victims of a previous attack. The group planted an explosive device that the mourners' vehicle drove over. Boko Haram has been accused of extorting payments from residents to fund their operations. This attack is one of the most horrific in recent times, according to residents.

In Uganda, the army has killed at least 11 militants, including those responsible for the attack on tourists at Queen Elizabeth National Park last month. British citizen David Barlow, his South African wife, and a Ugandan tour guide were killed in the attack. The Uganda People's Defence Forces continue their operation to eliminate all splinter groups of the Islamic State-linked rebel group ADF.

2/11/2023

In Tanzania, German President Steinmeier expressed "shame" for colonial atrocities in the Maji Maji rebellion, acknowledging German forces' past actions. This visit also aimed to address Germany's involvement in the dark colonial past, promising to repatriate cultural property.

Ugandan troops have killed at least 11 ADF militants responsible for the attack that claimed the lives of two tourists and a guide at Queen Elizabeth National Park. The ADF, an Islamic State-linked rebel group, has a history of violence in the region.

In Zimbabwe, Henrietta Rushwaya, president of the Miner's Federation and considered a niece of the President, has been convicted of attempting to smuggle gold worth over $330,000. Her case reflects alleged corrupt practices involving gold smuggling by officials, as revealed in an undercover investigation."

1/11/2023

In Zimbabwe, cholera has re-emerged, gripping the nation due to water scarcity, with cases nearing 6,000 and over 120 suspected deaths. The President has pledged a borehole drilling program, aiming to supply 35,000 villages with clean drinking water. Harare residents face irregular water access, with more than 50 cholera-related deaths in Chitungwiza.

US President Joe Biden announced plans to expel Uganda, Gabon, Niger, and the Central African Republic from the Agoa trade program due to "gross violations" of human rights or democratic progress. The decision, affecting these countries' economies, stems from concerns about human rights abuses and non-compliance with Agoa criteria, especially due to anti-homosexuality laws and military rule after coups.

King Charles and his wife, Camilla, are on a state visit to Kenya, acknowledging the painful history of colonialism, particularly the brutal suppression of the Mau Mau uprising. Despite the UK expressing regret and offering compensation, some, like 90-year-old Agnes Muthoni, feel it hasn't been sufficient in addressing the scars of that tumultuous past."

31/10/2023

In South Africa, a TikTok star posing as a doctor was arrested after a failed attempt to enter a hospital. Matthew Lani, accused of misleading medical advice, garnered thousands of followers before his account was closed. Arrested, he faces allegations of fraud.

Also in Kenya, Caleb Mwangi, a 13-year-old beaten severely at school, endured an induced coma, resulting in severe trauma.
 

Lastly, South Africa's victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare a national holiday, celebrating the Springboks' triumph. The win brings a glimmer of hope amidst the country's struggles with high unemployment and economic challenges."

27/10/2023

In Sudan, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have taken control of Nyala, Sudan's second-largest city, after months of fighting, leading to over 670,000 people being displaced. The RSF, originating in Darfur, has been accused of atrocities in this year's conflict. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has faced accusations of supplying weapons to the RSF.

In Israel, Hamas is holding 224 hostages following the 7 October attacks, including two Tanzanians and one South African. The hostages were taken when Hamas militants crossed into Israel from Gaza. Israel has conducted air strikes on Gaza in retaliation.

In Nigeria, the Supreme Court has dismissed both opposition challenges to President Bola Tinubu's election win. President Tinubu is expected to address the country's economic crisis, which has been exacerbated by the removal of a fuel subsidy.

25/10/2023

Liberia readies for a presidential run-off election on November 14, following a closely contested first round. President George Weah received 43.83%, with rival Joseph Boakai at 43.44%. Boakai, the former vice-president, outperformed expectations, setting the stage for an intense second round. The poll marks Liberia's closest presidential contest since the civil war. Boakai, running under the slogan "Rescue," accuses Weah of taking the country downhill during his first term. The runoff aims to break the 50% threshold neither candidate achieved in the first round.

In Uganda, hidden costs are hindering childhood cancer treatment. Families, like 14-year-old Dorcas Cherop's, face financial challenges when seeking care at the Uganda Cancer Institute. One in three children with cancer in Uganda abandons treatment due to these unanticipated expenses. Traveling long distances to the institute strains both patients and families. This situation highlights the plight of rural children with cancer and the need for support in Uganda's healthcare system.

Nigeria initiates a mass vaccination campaign against human papillomavirus (HPV) to combat cervical cancer. HPV, often transmitted through intimate contact, can lead to cervical cancer. Recent research has shown the HPV vaccine can reduce cervical cancer cases by nearly 90%. With approximately 12,000 Nigerian women each year suffering advanced cervical cancer, the nationwide campaign targets 16.6 million girls aged 9 to 14 by 2025, integrating HPV vaccination into the national immunization schedule, with outreach involving schools and community leaders.

24/10/2023

The Nigerian government successfully overturns an $11 billion arbitration award to a British Virgin Islands-based firm in a long-standing gas deal dispute. Nigeria alleged bribery and corruption, while the firm denied the accusations. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed the verdict as a victory for Africa, while a campaign group criticized the award as built on bribes and lies.

A $250 million deal between DP World and Tanzania is set to strengthen the UAE's position in Africa's freight industry. The agreement grants DP World management of two-thirds of Dar es Salaam port for 30 years, despite prior opposition claims of constitutional violations and sovereignty concerns. DP World aims to enhance efficiency, with Tanzania retaining 60% of earnings.

South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters held a protest at the Israeli embassy, demanding its closure, citing Israel's lack of "respect for humanity." Party leader Julius Malema urged retailers to remove Israeli goods from shelves. The ANC also participated in similar protests and called for a boycott of Israeli imports, supporting Palestinian solidarity.

23/10/2023

The UN reports an early withdrawal of peacekeepers from a camp in northern Mali due to "extremely tense and degraded security." Mali's military now claims control of the Tessalit camp. With reduced international troops on the ground, fears of escalating violence from armed groups, including Islamist militants and Tuareg militias, persist.

Zulu princes involved in a car crash in South Africa after contesting the line of succession. Prince Simphiwe Zulu and Prince Vanana Zulu were not critically injured. The Zulu royal family remains embroiled in a legal dispute over the rightful heir to the throne.

Allegations of racial slur during the Rugby World Cup semi-final as South Africa's Bongi Mbonambi is accused of misconduct towards England's Tom Curry. Both sides have launched investigations into the incident as they prepare for the final against New Zealand.

20/10/2023

In Niger, the military government thwarts an escape attempt by deposed former President Mohamed Bazoum. He, along with family and security, sought to flee on helicopters. Bazoum has been under house arrest since a July coup. The region, part of the Sahel belt, faces turmoil from jihadists and military rule.

Liberia arrests nine temporary staff involved in the presidential and parliamentary polls for vote tampering. Authorities assure the malpractices didn't affect the election's outcome, with a likely run-off between incumbent George Weah and Joseph Boakai.

Turkish company Karpowership restores power in Guinea-Bissau after a cutoff due to a $15 million unpaid bill. The government's $6 million payment allows the resumption of electricity supplies. Guinea-Bissau, among the world's poorest nations, seeks to renegotiate the contract.

19/10/2023

Severe floods in south-east Ghana have displaced thousands, including Awusife Kagbitor, whose home was submerged. Controlled spillage from hydro-electric dams has led to this disaster, leaving victims like Kagbitor struggling to cope with their loss.

Guinea-Bissau's capital plunged into darkness as a Turkish firm, Karpowership, cut power supplies over an unpaid bill of at least $15 million. This disruption has affected daily life, including radio stations going off-air. Economy Minister Suleimane Seidi acknowledges the arrears, with plans to settle most of the bill within 15 days.

A "cowardly terrorist attack" in a national park in south-west Uganda claimed the lives of a couple on their honeymoon and their guide. Uganda's police are pursuing suspected members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group. The victims are reported to be from the UK, South Africa, and Uganda. The UK's foreign office is providing support to the family of the British national involved in the attack.

18/10/2023

Somalia mourns the loss of prominent journalist Abdifatah Moalim Nur, known as Qeys, who was killed in a suicide bombing at a restaurant in Mogadishu. He's the first journalist to be killed in Somalia this year. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, injuring four others. Nur, an advocate of press freedom, left a lasting impact on Somali journalism.

In north-western Nigeria, over 50 people, including women and children, were abducted by gunmen in the mining village of Bagega, Zamfara state. The attackers on motorcycles shot indiscriminately, resulting in three deaths and seven injuries. Kidnappings for ransom by armed groups are increasingly common in this region.

Tragic conditions face Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad, with 42 reported deaths due to food and water shortages, as well as disease outbreaks like malaria. The most affected are women, children, and the elderly. Over one million people have crossed the border into Chad, fleeing the six-month conflict in Sudan, highlighting the urgent need for international aid.

17/10/2023

In South Africa, an escaped suspect, Kingsley Leeto Chele, accused of posing as a doctor and defrauding health professionals on Facebook, has been re-arrested near Johannesburg. The police re-captured him following a tip-off from the media. Chele, who had previously targeted women as a "Facebook con artist," is due to appear in a Pretoria court, facing additional charges of escaping custody.

In Uganda, authorities have thwarted a plot by Islamic State-linked militants to bomb churches in Butambala district. The foiled plan involved disguising bombs as gifts sent to pastors. The government, led by President Yoweri Museveni, blamed the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militant group linked to IS. The ADF had planned to detonate these bombs in churches near Kampala, but vigilant members of the public reported the devices to the police.

Algeria has offered to host Palestine's national football team's forthcoming matches after a request from the Palestinian Football Association. This move follows recent conflicts in the region, including attacks by the militant group Hamas. The Algerian Football Federation announced they would cover all expenses related to Palestine's stay for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers, showing solidarity in these challenging times.

16/10/2023

Ugandan police thwarted a plot by Islamic State-linked militants to bomb churches in Butambala district. Two bombs disguised as gifts were discovered, and the public alerted the police. President Yoweri Museveni attributed the plot to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group linked to IS. He urged people "not to accept gifts from strangers" and mentioned recent air strikes on ADF positions in DR Congo.

A boat capsized on the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with at least 30 people drowned. Over 160 remain missing. The overloaded boat was sailing at night in breach of regulations, carrying passengers and cargo. River transport is common in DR Congo, but accidents are frequent.

South Africa advanced in the Rugby World Cup with a thrilling quarter-final win over France. The Springboks came from behind in a pulsating match to face England in a repeat of the 2019 final. Eben Etzebeth's late surge secured victory, but the contest left fans on the edge of their seats.

13/10/2023

A Nairobi to Heathrow flight was intercepted by RAF fighters and diverted to Stansted Airport over a "potential security threat". The incident was "stood down" after Essex Police confirmed there was no cause for concern.

South African authorities uncover a coal-smuggling syndicate exacerbating the country's energy crisis. The scam involves high-grade coal being swapped with low-grade coal, damaging power stations. Former Eskom employees are among the suspects.

In the draw for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal, the defending champions, find themselves in Group C with Cameroon, The Gambia, and Guinea. The tournament, originally set for 2023, will take place in Ivory Coast in January-February 2024.

12/10/2023

In an ongoing investigation, the FBI and Ghana's Special Prosecutor are scrutinizing the financial transactions and assets of former minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her associates in the US. This inquiry follows allegations of corruption, as over $1 million was found at her residence. Ms. Dapaah denies the allegations and has sought to stop the investigation.

Reports about the legitimacy of Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's educational credentials have been put to rest. The BBC's Global Disinformation Team has confirmed no evidence of forgery in the certificates, which were under scrutiny following claims from a political rival.

Ugandan lawmakers have rejected a government proposal to provide birth control pills to 15-year-old girls to address high pregnancy rates. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa called the idea "devilish." Uganda has seen an increase in teenage pregnancies during the COVID-19 lockdown.

11/10/2023

In South Africa, a man impersonating a doctor on TikTok, known as Dr. Matthew Lani, is facing legal action. He posed as a medical professional while wearing scrubs at a public hospital and falsely represented himself as an employee of the Helen Joseph Hospital. The incident has exposed the need for improved health facility access and employee identification processes.

Algeria has suspended its mediation efforts in Niger's political crisis following a coup in July. The Nigerien authorities' commitment to Algerian mediation is in question, and the process is on hold until the junta confirms its willingness to continue mediation. This development complicates efforts to resolve the political crisis in Niger, which has been ongoing.

NBA MVP Joel Embiid's decision to represent the USA over his native Cameroon has caused disappointment among Cameroonians. Many hoped he would choose Cameroon for the upcoming Olympic Games. His choice is viewed as a missed opportunity for the continent. Embiid cited family reasons for his decision and expressed excitement about representing the USA.

10/10/2023

In Cameroon's capital Yaoundé, heavy rains triggered landslides that claimed the lives of at least 30 people, with some reports suggesting the toll could be higher. Rescue efforts have been challenging due to floods, and local residents have been forced to pull bodies from the debris by hand. The impoverished neighbourhood of Mbankolo was particularly affected. Experts point to climate change making Africa more vulnerable to extreme weather like heavy rains.

Sudan's western Darfur region continues to see intense fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, causing a dire situation for residents. Power outages, communication cuts, and fear of violence have left the city of Nyala in catastrophic conditions. Many residents are unable to access essential goods and services.

In the world of sports, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen scored for Napoli in Serie A, but his team faced another defeat, leaving them seven points behind league leaders AC Milan. Osimhen, who recently faced controversy after Napoli's social media blunder, received global support, including from Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. Napoli's turbulent season continues, both on and off the pitch.

9/10/2023

In Mali, residents of cities under siege by al-Qaeda-linked militants are facing severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicine. Prices are rapidly rising as the conflict between the army, backed by Russian Wagner mercenaries, and Islamist groups escalates. The historic city of Timbuktu is almost entirely cut off, and the UN estimates that 33,000 people have fled. The situation is worsening, and fears of a return to strict Islamic law grip the city.

The family of legendary Congolese guitarist Lokassa ya Mbongo is struggling to bury him nearly seven months after his death. Lokassa's body remains in a Kinshasa morgue despite promises of government help. Disputes within the family and delays in approving the budget for a "worthy" funeral are causing tension. They hope to proceed with the burial, even without government assistance.

Kenyan athlete Kelvin Kiptum has shattered the men's marathon world record in Chicago, beating Eliud Kipchoge's mark by over 30 seconds, with a time of 2 hours and 35 seconds. In the women's race, Dutch runner Sifan Hassan set the second-fastest time in marathon history with 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 44 seconds. Both achievements showcase remarkable athleticism and dedication in the world of long-distance running.

6/10/2023

In Sudan, an AI-driven campaign impersonating forme