Tag: Africa
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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…
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ANC Enters Coalition Talks After Historic Election Loss in South Africa
In a significant political shift, the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa has announced its intention to enter coalition talks after suffering its most substantial election defeat in three decades. With virtually all votes counted from the recent poll, the ANC secured just over 40% of the vote, failing to win a majority and…
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ANC Loses Absolute Majority in South Africa, Must Seek Coalition Partners to Govern
In a significant shift in South African politics, the African National Congress (ANC) has lost its absolute majority in Parliament for the first time in three decades, necessitating the formation of coalition governments to stay in power. President Cyril Ramaphosa faces mounting pressure and calls for resignation following the party’s historic electoral setback. The ANC,…
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DR Congo Announces New Government Formation Led by First Female Prime Minister Amid Political Delays
After months of anticipation, the Democratic Republic of Congo has announced its new government leadership, led by the nation’s first female Prime Minister, Judith Sumina. With a slight reduction in the number of ministers from 57 to 54, the new cabinet sees key allies of President Felix Tshisekedi assuming critical positions. The formation of this…
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International Court Orders Israel to Cease Military Actions in Rafah, Citing Humanitarian Crisis
The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to immediately cease its military operations in Rafah, southern Gaza, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis and calling for urgent action to prevent further deterioration. The court’s decision aims to protect civilians and address the critical conditions in Gaza, amidst ongoing conflict and international critique of Israel’s actions.…
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Massive Rhino Rewilding Effort Launches to Bolster Biodiversity Across Africa
In an ambitious effort to bolster the southern white rhino population and enhance biodiversity, nearly 2,000 rhinos are set to be reintroduced to the wild from a private collection. This rewilding initiative spans across several African countries, including Angola, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, and Chad. The operation, described as one of the…
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South Africa’s Murder Rate Hits 20-Year High Amid Surging Violent Crime
South Africa is currently experiencing a significant rise in violent crime, with the murder rate reaching its highest point in 20 years. The latest annual statistics reveal that over 27,000 people have been killed over a 12-month period. Despite the alarming increase in such crimes, the rate of murder cases successfully solved is as low…
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US and UK Forces Launch Strikes on Houthi Targets in Yemen to Protect Bab-al-Mandab Strait Navigation
The United States and the United Kingdom have initiated military operations against Houthi militants in Yemen in response to the group’s attacks on merchant ships and their de facto blockade of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key maritime route for global trade. In a coordinated effort to safeguard this crucial passage, which facilitates approximately 12%…
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Exploring the Impact of Abiy Ahmed’s Policies in Africa
The video examines the leadership and actions of Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, questioning his influence and decisions in the context of Africa’s political landscape. It delves into various aspects of his governance, including policies, internal conflicts, and his international reputation, aiming to assess whether his actions deem him a significant risk or threat within…
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China and Russia Expand Influence in Africa as Western Powers Lose Ground
China and Russia are increasingly influencing Africa, capitalizing on anti-Western sentiments and filling the void left by the diminishing influence of Western European powers, particularly France. Through economic power and military services, both nations are becoming the new patrons in Africa amidst a backdrop of coups and the threat of regional wars. The significant investments…
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Exploring the Depth of South Africa’s Energy Crisis and Its Broader Implications
South Africa is grappling with a severe energy crisis, triggering widespread concerns about the country’s stability and its impact on the region. The crisis, marked by rolling blackouts, has escalated due to aging infrastructure, financial instability, corruption, and a slow transition to renewable energy. These issues have led to significant societal challenges, including compromised healthcare,…