Emergent BioSolutions has announced a significant donation of 50,000 doses of its ACAM2000 smallpox vaccine to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other affected countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, in response to the ongoing mpox outbreak. The donation, revealed on Monday, aims to curb the rapid spread of the virus, which Read More…
Africa
Sudan’s government heads to Cairo amid uncertainty over peace talks
Sudan’s government has announced plans to send a delegation to Cairo for discussions with U.S. and Egyptian officials on Monday, leaving the question of its participation in crucial peace talks unresolved. The talks aim to end the 16-month war that has ravaged the country since April 2023. “Our presence in Cairo is to discuss the Read More…
After the AU Summit, Africa continues its drift
If a family meets in a room, members give themselves pecks, exchange polite greetings, make flowery speeches and emerge laughing for group photographs, likely, they have not been truthful to themselves. That was my impression following the 37th Summit of the African Union, AU, from February 17–18, 2024, in Addis Ababa. After attending a few Read More…
Italy’s top court rules against sending sea migrants back to Libya, charities applaud verdict
Italy’s highest appeals court has delivered a landmark ruling, deeming the practice of returning sea migrants to Libya unlawful, a decision celebrated by charitable organisations and human rights advocates. The Court of Cassation affirmed the conviction of the captain of an Italian towboat, Asso 28, who, in 2018, rescued 101 migrants from a rubber dinghy Read More…
Rocket strike sparks exodus as M23 rebels escalate Congo conflict
In Goma, Congo, a rocket landed dangerously close to a university, signalling the escalating threat posed by M23 rebels amidst a mass exodus of civilians, raising concerns about the safety of the city’s two million residents. Amidst the chaos, 25-year-old student Sophonie Bayonga expressed concern, stating, “This shows that M23 is targeting Goma now. The Read More…
Namibia’s Interim President Nangolo Mbumba addresses election intentions amidst Geingob’s passing
Nangolo Mbumba, stepping into the role of interim president following Hage Geingob’s demise, firmly declares he won’t contest the upcoming elections, paving the way for Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. This unprecedented move sets the stage for potential history, as Nandi-Ndaitwah could become Namibia’s first female president. Mbumba’s announcement, atypical in African politics, emphasises his commitment to a Read More…
Landmark trial in Switzerland: Former Gambian minister faces charges of crimes against humanity
Switzerland gears up for a significant trial on Monday, as former Gambian interior minister Ousman Sonko faces charges of crimes against humanity under the ousted dictator Yahya Jammeh’s regime. The trial marks a crucial moment in the pursuit of justice, empowered by the principle of universal jurisdiction allowing grave crimes to be prosecuted globally. Campaign Read More…
Eleven trapped in Zimbabwe mine collapse, rescue operations underway
Eleven subsistence miners are currently trapped underground following a ground collapse at Zimbabwe’s Redwing Mine, located 270 km west of Harare, prompting urgent rescue efforts by authorities. Zimbabwe’s mines ministry attributed the incident, which occurred on Thursday morning, to potential earth tremors. Initial assessments have led authorities to believe that this geological activity might have Read More…
Sierra Leone Ex-President charged with treason following failed coup attempt
Sierra Leone’s former President Ernest Bai Koroma faces charges, including treason, for his alleged involvement in a recent unsuccessful military attempt to overthrow the country’s government. The court’s decision in the capital, Freetown, has intensified tensions in a nation striving to recover from its civil war and recent election disputes. Koroma’s indictment arrives after the Read More…
DRC President Tshisekedi declared victor in election, amid opposition protests and calls for rerun
President Felix Tshisekedi secured a resounding victory with over 73% of the vote in the recent December 20 poll, as announced by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s election commission, CENI. The declaration comes amid mounting opposition complaints regarding the election’s transparency and conduct. Denis Kadima, head of CENI, disclosed the outcome in Kinshasa, confirming Tshisekedi’s Read More…