Tag: Africa
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Kenya Hosts Festac Festival Celebrating Pan-African Art and Culture
The Festac festival in Kenya is a vibrant celebration of pan-African art, drawing inspiration from the historic 1977 Nigerian edition, which was the largest pan-African gathering at the time. This year’s festival has seen participation from across the continent, despite relatively small audience numbers. The focus for many creatives attending is on networking and showcasing…
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Spain’s Prime Minister Visits West Africa to Address Migration and Human Trafficking Issues
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s recent visit to West Africa, including Morania, marks a significant effort to address the surge in illegal migration and human trafficking. During his three-day tour, the focus has been on enhancing legal migration frameworks and intensifying the fight against people smuggling through improved cooperation between Spain and West African nations’…
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France 24 Debunks Misinformation on Mpox: No Links to COVID Vaccine or Sexual Orientation
Amidst an outbreak of Mpox across several African countries, triggering the highest alert from the World Health Organization (WHO), there’s been a notable increase in online disinformation. False claims include the virus being linked to the COVID-19 vaccine side effects or being transmitted exclusively through gay sex. These assertions have been debunked, emphasizing the need…
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New Mpox Strain Causes Surge in Infections Across Central Africa, With Focus on Democratic Republic of Congo
A new strain of Mpox is rapidly spreading across parts of Africa, notably in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, triggering a significant increase in infections and deaths. The World Health Organization has declared it an international health emergency. The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded over 16,500 cases this year, with 570 fatalities.…
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Burundi and DRC Face Surge in Mpox Cases Amid Vaccine Cost Concerns
Burundi and 11 other East and Central African countries are experiencing a significant surge in Mpox cases, with no deaths reported in Burundi but 412 suspected new cases noted between August 5th and 19th. The Africa CDC has highlighted a worrying increase, reporting 1,400 new cases since August 13th, bringing the total to 18,900 across…
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Senegalese Agro-Influencers Leverage Social Media to Boost Sales and Share Farming Knowledge
In Senegal, a new generation of agro-influencers is leveraging social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to revolutionize the agricultural sector. By creating engaging content that showcases their farming practices, tips, and the produce they offer, these young entrepreneurs are not only boosting their sales but also sharing valuable knowledge. This approach has proven to…
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EU Health Agency Alerts Member States to Prepare for Surge in More Contagious Mpox Strain
The European Union’s health agency has issued a warning for member states to brace for more cases of mpox, following the confirmation of a new, more contagious and dangerous strain known as clade 1B in Sweden. This alert emphasizes the need for heightened preparedness, planning, and awareness to ensure rapid detection and response. Clade 1B’s…
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France Commemorates Soldiers from Former Colonies at Provence Landings Anniversary
Soldiers from former French overseas colonies were commemorated for their contributions to the Provence landings during World War II. The commemoration acknowledges the overlooked sacrifices of North African and Sub-Saharan African soldiers in the liberation of the south of France, 80 years ago. This recognition comes amidst evolving relationships between France and its former colonies,…
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Burkina Faso Increases Army Recruitment Efforts Amid Rising Insurgency Challenges
Burkina Faso is intensifying its efforts to recruit more soldiers into its army in response to a persistent insurgency that has seen numerous troops fall victim to extremist attacks. The country has been grappling with increasing violence, including a recent ambush that claimed the lives of dozens of soldiers, underscoring the challenges faced by the…
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Africa’s Top Health Body Declares Mpox Outbreak a Continental Public Health Emergency
Africa’s top health authority has declared the outbreak of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, a Public Health Emergency of Continental Concern due to a new, more transmissible strain of the virus. This outbreak marks a significant threat beyond the African continent, with cases now reported in several neighboring countries. The disease, which causes rashes, bodily…
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Sudan’s Civil War Escalates: Catastrophic Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds Amidst Fighting
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has escalated into a dire humanitarian crisis, with no apparent end in sight. As the conflict between the Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces militia intensifies, the capital city of Khartoum has become a battleground, leading to widespread destruction and suffering. According to the United Nations, the…
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Tunisian Presidential Hopefuls Report Election Restrictions Amidst Anti-Democratic Atmosphere
As Tunisia approaches its presidential election on October 6, several hopeful candidates have voiced complaints about facing significant restrictions that hinder their ability to run. Among them, Isam Chebbi of the Al Amouri party and Abir Moussi of the Free Destourian party, both political opposition figures, have encountered substantial barriers due to legal and administrative…
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Refugee Team Secures Historic First Medal as Ngamba Advances to Boxing Semifinals at Paris Olympics
In a historic turn of events at the Paris Olympics, Algerian gymnast Kayla Namur secured Africa’s first-ever gymnastics gold, representing a significant triumph over adversity and a notable shift in national allegiance from France to Algeria due to a fallout with the French Gymnastics Federation. Meanwhile, Cindy Ngamba of the Olympic Refugee team guaranteed the…
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Nigerian President Urges Protesters to Halt Demonstrations for Dialogue on Economic Crisis
Nigeria’s President has called on protesters to cease their demonstrations to allow for dialogue with the government concerning the nation’s cost of living crisis. This appeal comes in the wake of protests triggered by the removal of petrol and electricity subsidies, a policy shift that has exacerbated economic hardships for many Nigerians. Amnesty International reports…
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East African Filmmakers Celebrate Cinema at Second Kigali Festival
The Kigali C Junction Festival is lighting up the streets of Kigali, transforming the city into a sprawling cinema landscape for its second edition. This event celebrates East African cinema, bringing together artists and professionals from across the region, including Kenyans, Ugandans, Nigerians, and members of the Rwandan diaspora. With most screenings held outdoors, the…
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Niger Faces Escalating Threats to Oil Exports Amid Attacks by Patriotic Liberation Front
Niger’s oil exports face significant threats as the Patriotic Liberation Front (PLF) warns of further pipeline attacks amidst demands for the release of former president Mohamed Bazoum. This development comes after the group claimed responsibility for sabotaging a pipeline that transports crude oil to the Seme port in Benin. The attacks have not only targeted…
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Ghana’s Cocoa Production Plummets Amid Disease, Weather Challenges, and Pricing Issues
Ghana is currently facing a significant decline in its cocoa production, with figures from the country’s Cocoa Board indicating that production has reached only 429,000 metric tons against an expected 800,000 metric tons for the year. This downturn marks a continuation of a three-year slump in cocoa production in Ghana, attributed to factors such as…
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Breweries in Central African Republic Vie for Influence Amidst Aggressive Marketing Tactics
In the Central African Republic, a brewing competition is heating up between the local Mocaf brewery and the newly introduced Vagner Group’s Africa Tor beer. Mocaf, a long-established French company, is launching a new product with innovative marketing strategies including the use of female influencers. Meanwhile, Vagner, associated with Russian interests, is promoting its Africa…
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Kinshasa Grapples with Traffic Congestion Amid Growing Population and Lack of Public Transport Solutions
Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is grappling with severe traffic congestion issues as its population continues to soar. The city, home to 17 million people, lacks adequate public transport and road infrastructure, leading to daily challenges for its residents. Efforts to alleviate the congestion through the introduction of cable cars, urban…
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Sudanese Paramilitaries Accused of Committing Atrocities and Using Rape as a Weapon of War
Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied Arab militias are under scrutiny for committing widespread atrocities in West Darfur, with accusations centering on the use of rape as a weapon against the Masalit community, a prominent African ethnicity in the region. Reports indicate that these acts are part of a broader campaign aimed at…
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Namibia High Court Overturns Colonial-Era Laws Criminalizing Gay Sex
Namibia’s High Court has recently annulled laws that criminalized sexual acts between men, marking a historic decision for the country’s LGBTQ community. These laws, which trace back to the 1920s during South African administration, were declared unconstitutional in a ruling celebrated as the start of a new era for Namibians. Activist Fredel Daab, with the…
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WTO Chief Okonjo-Iweala Discusses Trade, Development, and the African Continental Free Trade Area on FRANCE 24
In a recent interview with FRANCE 24 English, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and former Nigerian Finance Minister, discussed the critical aspects of Africa’s trade and development, emphasizing the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area, the need for value addition to African products, and the challenges of…
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Fatal Clashes in Nairobi as Protesters Storm Parliament Amid Anti-Tax Demonstrations
In Nairobi, Kenya, protests calling for President Uhuru Kenyatta’s resignation and expressing dissatisfaction with a recent police crackdown turned deadly, with local media reporting fatalities. The demonstrations, part of the “Occupy Parliament” movement, were sparked by opposition to a June 13th budget bill proposing new taxes to raise $2.7 billion. Despite some taxes being retracted…
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Brazilians Explore African Ancestry Through DNA Testing Initiatives
In Brazil, individuals are turning to DNA tests to uncover their African ancestry, a journey deeply rooted in the country’s history of slavery. The port district of Rio, known as Little Africa, serves as a significant reminder of the African influence and presence in Brazil. With the abolition of slavery in 1888, many historical documents…
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Kenya Withdraws Key Tax Hikes Following Public Protests
In Kenya, the government has decided to retract most of the newly proposed tax hikes following public protests that erupted near the Parliament. Demonstrators voiced strong opposition against the draft budget, which included tax increases on essential goods and services, arguing that these measures would further strain their financial capacities. The protests, which saw police…
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Over 120,000 Women Reportedly Raped During Tigray War as Rape Used as Weapon of Conflict
A recent report highlights the harrowing use of rape as a weapon of war during the Tigray conflict, revealing the profound and devastating impact on women. The war has left a staggering number of victims, with estimates suggesting that over 12,000 women may have been subjected to sexual violence. Many of these survivors face not…
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Al Qaeda Affiliate Claims Responsibility for Deadly Attack on Burkina Faso Army Base
An Al Qaeda affiliate has claimed responsibility for a significant attack on an army base in Burkina Faso, near the border with Niger, resulting in the death of over 100 soldiers. The attack, marked as the most substantial since previous incidents months ago, involved militants using motorcycles and distinctive green scarfs to storm the military…
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Senegal Sees Surge in Sheep Prices Ahead of Tabaski Holiday Celebrations
In Senegal, the price of sheep is soaring as the Islamic holiday Tabaski approaches, causing concern among buyers trying to uphold the tradition of family gatherings and celebrations. A luxury breed of sheep, known as a ladoum, can sell for up to €4,000, although some buyers manage to negotiate lower prices. Despite the high costs,…
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Exploring the Controversy Surrounding the $5 Billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and Its Impact on Nile River Countries
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a $5 billion project on the Blue Nile, has become a focal point of tension among Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt. Ethiopia’s ambitions for the dam include doubling its electricity output, addressing its energy needs, and exporting power to neighboring countries, which could significantly boost its economy. However, downstream nations,…
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ANC Seeks Coalition Partners After Historic Election Setback in South Africa
In a significant shift for South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC), the party once led by Nelson Mandela, has experienced its worst election results in three decades since the end of apartheid. This outcome signals a new political landscape in South Africa, driven by public discontent over high costs of living, corruption, unemployment, and…