France has committed to a significant investment in Uganda, allocating $3 billion (approximately 12 trillion Ugandan shillings) over the next three years, targeting critical sectors including agriculture and oil & gas. This announcement was made during a meeting between the French Ambassador to Uganda, Xavier Sticker, and Uganda's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Jeje Odongo, held at the Ministry's headquarters in Kampala on February 27, 2024. The discussions, aimed at bolstering the bilateral ties and cooperative efforts between the two nations, were described as productive. France's investment is seen as a gesture of its strong commitment to aiding Uganda's socio-economic advancement. Minister Odongo expressed his gratitude for this substantial investment, highlighting it as a testament to the deep-seated friendship and partnership between Uganda and France. He emphasized the pivotal role this investment would play in propelling Uganda towards its developmental aspirations and enhancing the quality of life for its populace. Both parties reiterated their dedication to maintaining open dialogue and working collaboratively towards common goals, thereby strengthening the robust partnership that exists between the two countries. In a related development , Uganda has recently been in the spotlight for its significant gold discoveries, which are expected to have a substantial impact on the country's economic landscape and potentially attract further international investments. This new gold find underscores Uganda's growing prominence as a key player in the global mining sector. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Feb 29, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Xavier Sticker the current French Ambassador in Uganda France has committed to a significant investment in Uganda, allocating $3 billion (approximately 12 trillion Ugandan shillings) over the next three years, targeting critical sectors including agriculture and oil & gas. This announcement was made during a meeting between the French Ambassador to Uganda, Xavier Sticker, and Uganda's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Jeje Odongo, held at the Ministry's headquarters in Kampala on February 27, 2024. The discussions, aimed at bolstering the bilateral ties and cooperative efforts between the two nations, were described as productive. France's investment is seen as a gesture of its strong commitment to aiding Uganda's socio-economic advancement. Minister Odongo expressed his gratitude for this substantial investment, highlighting it as a testament to the deep-seated friendship and partnership between Uganda and France. He emphasized the pivotal role this investment would play in propelling Uganda towards its developmental aspirations and enhancing the quality of life for its populace. ADVERTISEMENT Both parties reiterated their dedication to maintaining open dialogue and working collaboratively towards common goals, thereby strengthening the robust partnership that exists between the two countries. In a related development , Uganda has recently been in the spotlight for its significant gold discoveries, which are expected to have a substantial impact on the country's economic landscape and potentially attract further international investments. This new gold find underscores Uganda's growing prominence as a key player in the global mining sector. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tags

Renowned Nigerian musician Davido has extended his artistic footprint by introducing a novel 'Faculty of Music and Arts' at the International University of East Africa (IUEA) in Kampala, Uganda. This development has ignited a wave of excitement among his extensive fanbase, as evidenced by the widespread sharing of the news across social media platforms. In a ceremonious event hosted by the university, Davido was celebrated with a unique accolade bearing his name. This tribute was further amplified by the unveiling of a newly erected hall on the campus, aptly named 'Davido Hall', in recognition of his contributions to music and arts. The inauguration of the ' Faculty of Music and Arts' was marked by Davido cutting a ribbon affixed to a signboard that heralded the commencement of the course. This significant gesture underscored the official launch and Davido's pivotal role in enriching the academic landscape at IUEA. The reaction on social media following this announcement was overwhelmingly positive, with fans and supporters expressing their admiration and support for Davido's latest achievement. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 30, 2024 May 15, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: A campus facility has been christened 'Davido Hall' in honor of the renowned artist. @IUEA Renowned Nigerian musician Davido has extended his artistic footprint by introducing a novel 'Faculty of Music and Arts' at the International University of East Africa (IUEA) in Kampala, Uganda. This development has ignited a wave of excitement among his extensive fanbase, as evidenced by the widespread sharing of the news across social media platforms. In a ceremonious event hosted by the university, Davido was celebrated with a unique accolade bearing his name. This tribute was further amplified by the unveiling of a newly erected hall on the campus, aptly named 'Davido Hall', in recognition of his contributions to music and arts. ADVERTISEMENT The inauguration of the ' Faculty of Music and Arts' was marked by Davido cutting a ribbon affixed to a signboard that heralded the commencement of the course. This significant gesture underscored the official launch and Davido's pivotal role in enriching the academic landscape at IUEA. The reaction on social media following this announcement was overwhelmingly positive, with fans and supporters expressing their admiration and support for Davido's latest achievement. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tags

Learn how Himba otjize is prepared from red ochre, butterfat, and aromatic resin, based on academic and scientific sources. Otjize is one of the most recognizable features of Himba culture . It is the famous red paste worn on the skin and hair by many Himba women in northern Namibia and southern Angola. But otjize is not just “makeup.” Academic sources describe it as part of dress, beauty, identity, skin care, and cultural belonging. Austin Sterling Cameron describes otjize as “a mixture of animal fat and red ochre” (Cameron, 2013, p. 24), while Gregor Borg and Margaret Jacobsohn describe it more specifically as “powdered mineral haematite, butterfat and an aromatic resin” (Borg & Jacobsohn, 2013, p. 46). What Is Otjize Made From? The main ingredients are: Red ochre or haematite pigment Animal fat or butterfat Aromatic resin, often linked to the omuzumba shrub Sometimes goat-butterfat, according to scientific research A scientific article in Scientific Reports describes Himba otjize as a cosmetic mixture of “goat-butterfat and ochre pigment” (Havenga et al., 2022, p. 2). The same study discusses its protective properties, including UV-blocking and antibacterial effects. Further Reading Continue Reading Full Article AFRICAN CULTURE How the Himba Prepare Otjize, Namibia's Iconic Red Ochre Paste By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Jun 21, 2026 Jun 21, 2026 6 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Otjize is one of the most recognizable features of Himba culture . It is the famous red paste worn on the skin and hair by many Himba women in northern Namibia and southern Angola. But otjize is not just “makeup.” Academic sources describe it as part of dress, beauty, identity, skin care, and cultural belonging. Austin Sterling Cameron describes otjize as “a mixture of animal fat and red ochre” (Cameron, 2013, p. 24), while Gregor Borg and Margaret Jacobsohn describe it more specifically as “powdered mineral haematite, butterfat and an aromatic resin” (Borg & Jacobsohn, 2013, p. 46). What Is Otjize Made From? The main ingredients are: Red ochre or haematite pigment Animal fat or butterfat Aromatic resin, often linked to the omuzumba shrub Sometimes goat-butterfat, according to scientific research A scientific article in Scientific Reports describes Himba otjize as a cosmetic mixture of “goat-butterfat and ochre pigment” (Havenga et al., 2022, p. 2). The same study discusses its protective properties, including UV-blocking and antibacterial effects. The heart of otjize: powdered red ochre dominated by iron oxide (Fe₂O₃), the mineral pigment that has colored Himba skin and hair traditions for generations. Further Reading Havenga et al. (2022) From Himba Indigenous Knowledge to Engineered Fe2O3 UV-Blocking Green Nanocosmetics Relevant pages: 1–2 Read the study Step 1: Collect Red Ochre or Haematite The red color of otjize comes from haematite, a mineral rich in iron oxide. Borg and Jacobsohn document a source known as Otjize or Ovihende, located between Sesfontein and Opuwo in northwestern Namibia. Hematite (Fe₂O₃), this red ochre formation is the natural source of the pigment that gives Himba otjize its distinctive color and cultural significance ADVERTISEMENT In their research, Himba women are described as mining and carrying haematite ore. This gives the paste its deep red color. Step 2: Break the Ochre Into Smaller Pieces After the haematite is collected, it must be broken down. Borg and Jacobsohn describe the pigment source as ore that is removed in chunks before being prepared for use. This step matters because otjize cannot be made from large stones. The mineral must first be reduced into smaller pieces that can be ground into powder. Step 3: Grind the Ochre Into Powder The next step is grinding. The red haematite is turned into a fine powder. Borg and Jacobsohn describe the ingredient as “powdered mineral haematite” (2013, p. 46). This powdered ochre is the base of otjize. Without this stage, the paste would not spread smoothly across the skin and hair. Further Reading Borg, Gregor, and Margaret Jacobsohn (2013) “Ladies in Red: Mining and Use of Red Pigment by Himba Women in Northwestern Namibia” Relevant pages: 44–51 See bibliographic record ADVERTISEMENT Step 4: Mix the Powder With Butterfat Once the ochre is powdered, it is mixed with fat. Cameron gives the broad description as “animal fat and red ochre” (2013, p. 24). Other sources specify butterfat or goat-butterfat. The transformation begins as finely ground red ochre is mixed by hand with butterfat, producing the vibrant otjize paste that has long been central to Himba beauty and cultural identity. This fat helps turn the powder into a paste. It also helps the otjize stick to the skin and hair. Step 5: Add Aromatic Resin The paste may also include aromatic resin. Borg and Jacobsohn describe otjize as containing “an aromatic resin” (2013, p. 46). Havenga et al . connect this resin to omuzumba, identified as Commiphora multijuga (2022, p. 2). Chunks of aromatic resin, traditionally added to Himba otjize, help perfume the iconic red ochre paste while contributing to its distinctive scent and texture. This resin gives otjize scent and may also be part of its traditional body-care role. Step 6: Store the Finished Paste Borg and Jacobsohn note that otjize may be stored and carried in a small container known as ozonja, traditionally made from cattle horn and covered with leather. This detail shows that otjize is not only prepared once for display. It is part of everyday grooming and traditional adornment. Step 7: Apply Otjize to Skin, Hair, and Adornment Otjize is applied to the body and hair. Borg and Jacobsohn also mention its use on leather clothing and jewelry. Cameron writes that fully covering the body in otjize is considered part of the ideal traditional appearance for Himba females (2013, p. 24). ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW Hadza Gender Roles Beyond Men Hunt, Women Gather . African Culture Himba Clothing and Adornment: Meaning of Traditional Dress . African Culture Himba Language: What Is OtjiHimba and How Is It Connected to Herero? . African Culture Himba Food and Daily Life . African Culture POPULAR TODAY African Culture Hadza Gender Roles Beyond Men Hunt, Women Gather . African Culture How the Himba Prepare Otjize, Namibia's Iconic Red Ochre Paste . African Culture Himba Clothing and Adornment: Meaning of Traditional Dress . African Culture Himba Language: What Is OtjiHimba and How Is It Connected to Herero? . African Culture Himba Food and Daily Life . In Cameron’s interviews, one Himba respondent said girls in the village “must always wear the traditional [clothes] and otjize” (Cameron, 2013, p. 50). Another said Himba women “must always wear otjize” (Cameron, 2013, p. 54). Himba otjize is prepared by collecting red haematite, breaking and grinding it into powder, mixing it with butterfat, adding aromatic resin, storing it, and applying it to the skin, hair, clothing, or adornment. Its fame comes from its vivid red color, but its importance is cultural as much as cosmetic. Otjize is a living tradition connected to Himba beauty, identity, and daily life. Source Transparency This article relies on a university thesis, academic publication records, and a peer-reviewed scientific journal article. The strongest evidence covers ingredients, preparation sequence, cultural use, and scientific properties. Evidence is thinner for exact household measurements and regional recipe variation. Sources and reference Cameron, Austin Sterling. The Influence of Media on Himba Conceptions of Dress, Ancestral and Cattle Worship, and the Implications for Culture Change. Brigham Young University, 2013. BYU ScholarsArchive Borg, Gregor, and Margaret Jacobsohn. “Ladies in Red: Mining and Use of Red Pigment by Himba Women in Northwestern Namibia.” 2013. Bibliographic record Havenga, D., et al. “From Himba Indigenous Knowledge to Engineered Fe2O3 UV-Blocking Green Nanocosmetics.” Scientific Reports, 2022. Nature / Scientific Reports Molefe, Ontibile. Physico-Chemical Characterization of African Traditional Cosmetics Produced by the Ovahimba Tribes of Northern Namibia. University of the Witwatersrand, 2015. Thesis handle ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE African Culture Hadza Gender Roles Beyond Men Hunt, Women Gather A closer look at Hadza food, family, movement, and gendered work . African Culture Himba Clothing and Adornment: Meaning of Traditional Dress What otjize, jewelry, hairstyles, and clothing represent in Himba culture . African Culture Himba Language: What Is OtjiHimba and How Is It Connected to Herero? A simple guide to OtjiHimba, OtjiHerero, and the Himba-Herero language connection . African Culture Himba Food and Daily Life How maize, milk, cattle, and tradition shape everyday life among Namibia's Himba people. . Tags Namibia Namibia Himba Tribe Himba Tribe African Culture African Culture

The DRC has signed a deal with Swiss firm ADEX to modernize its diamond industry through local processing, traceability and global market access. The Democratic Republic of Congo has signed a strategic agreement with Swiss company ADEX Platform to modernize and formalize its diamond and colored gemstone industry. The deal was signed between the Mining Fund for Future Generations (FOMIN) and ADEX Platform , under the supervision of Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba. It creates a new 50-50 joint venture called ADEX RDC S.A. The partnership aims to help the DRC move beyond exporting mostly rough diamonds by building local capacity for cutting, polishing, jewellery manufacturing and direct access to international markets. Under the agreement, ADEX RDC S.A. will work on establishing an international-standard diamond cutting and jewellery workshop inside the country. It will also develop a digital platform allowing Congolese diamonds and gemstones to reach global buyers more directly. The project is also expected to strengthen traceability, transparency and formalization in a sector where artisanal mining remains dominant and smuggling has long reduced official revenues. Minister Kabamba said the agreement opens “a new chapter” for responsible diamond and colored gemstone trade in the DRC. He said Congolese diamonds should no longer be associated with smuggling and undervaluation, but with transparency, industrial modernization and shared prosperity. The DRC is one of Africa’s leading diamond producers, but much of the value from its stones has historically been captured outside the country because of limited domestic processing capacity. If properly implemented, the deal could create skilled jobs, improve state revenues, support local manufacturing and help position the DRC as a more competitive and responsible supplier in the global gemstone market. The agreement fits into Kinshasa’s broader strategy of turning the country’s mineral wealth into local industrial growth, employment and long-term economic benefits. MINING AND MINERALS DRC Signs Landmark Diamond Deal with Swiss Firm ADEX By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Jul 3, 2026 Jul 3, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Democratic Republic of Congo has signed a strategic agreement with Swiss company ADEX Platform to modernize and formalize its diamond and colored gemstone industry. The deal was signed between the Mining Fund for Future Generations (FOMIN) and ADEX Platform , under the supervision of Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba. It creates a new 50-50 joint venture called ADEX RDC S.A. The partnership aims to help the DRC move beyond exporting mostly rough diamonds by building local capacity for cutting, polishing, jewellery manufacturing and direct access to international markets. ADVERTISEMENT Under the agreement, ADEX RDC S.A. will work on establishing an international-standard diamond cutting and jewellery workshop inside the country. It will also develop a digital platform allowing Congolese diamonds and gemstones to reach global buyers more directly. The project is also expected to strengthen traceability, transparency and formalization in a sector where artisanal mining remains dominant and smuggling has long reduced official revenues. ADVERTISEMENT Minister Kabamba said the agreement opens “a new chapter” for responsible diamond and colored gemstone trade in the DRC. He said Congolese diamonds should no longer be associated with smuggling and undervaluation, but with transparency, industrial modernization and shared prosperity. The DRC is one of Africa’s leading diamond producers, but much of the value from its stones has historically been captured outside the country because of limited domestic processing capacity. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Mining and Minerals Kasaï-Oriental Backs ADEX-RDC Diamond-Cutting Plan . Oil and Gas DRC and Angola Advance Shared Offshore Oil Project . Mining and Minerals DRC Certifies Its First Manono Lithium Cargo . Mining and Minerals DRC Signs Landmark Diamond Deal with Swiss Firm ADEX . Mining and Minerals DRC Plans Landmark Mining Reform to Make Workers Shareholders . If properly implemented, the deal could create skilled jobs, improve state revenues, support local manufacturing and help position the DRC as a more competitive and responsible supplier in the global gemstone market. The agreement fits into Kinshasa’s broader strategy of turning the country’s mineral wealth into local industrial growth, employment and long-term economic benefits. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Mining and Minerals Kasaï-Oriental Backs ADEX-RDC Diamond-Cutting Plan Government action advances local diamond processing, skilled jobs and greater value for Congo. . Oil and Gas DRC and Angola Advance Shared Offshore Oil Project New agreements move the joint maritime oil project closer to its operational phase. . Mining and Minerals DRC Certifies Its First Manono Lithium Cargo First CEEC-certified lots leave Kalemie as Congo opens a new battery-mineral export trade . Mining and Minerals DRC Signs Landmark Diamond Deal with Swiss Firm ADEX New ADEX partnership aims to expand diamond processing and trade in the DRC. . Tags DRC Mining DRC Mining DRC Economy DRC Economy DR.Congo DR.Congo

Nigerian singer Simi has revealed in a recent interview with CNN that she initially had reservations about dating someone within the music industry. Despite these hesitations, she ended up marrying fellow artist Adekunle Gold, a twist she finds both ironic and humorous. Simi shared that when she first met her future husband, she was unaware of his musical aspirations. "I didn't know he was trying to be a singer because I had actually made the choice to never date someone in the industry," Simi explained, laughing. She described Adekunle Gold as the "king of Photoshop" at his then-job, where he was known for his creative edits rather than his singing talents. "Next thing you know, we're dating and I'm getting comfortable," she added. The couple, who got married in a private ceremony at Ilashe beach in 2019 and welcomed their daughter Adejare in 2020, have found a harmonious balance between their personal lives and their careers. Simi emphasized the importance of respecting each other's crafts and maintaining boundaries. "We're very respectful of each other's crafts and opinions as singers. We also think it's important to create boundaries; work is work and I think we've been able to do very good with that," she remarked. This partnership not only highlights their individual talents but also underscores their ability to collaborate and support each other in a competitive industry. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Apr 23, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Simi was unaware that Adekunle Gold was pursuing a music career when they first met. Instagram/@lovrweddingsng Nigerian singer Simi has revealed in a recent interview with CNN that she initially had reservations about dating someone within the music industry. Despite these hesitations, she ended up marrying fellow artist Adekunle Gold, a twist she finds both ironic and humorous. Simi shared that when she first met her future husband, she was unaware of his musical aspirations. "I didn't know he was trying to be a singer because I had actually made the choice to never date someone in the industry," Simi explained, laughing. She described Adekunle Gold as the "king of Photoshop" at his then-job, where he was known for his creative edits rather than his singing talents. "Next thing you know, we're dating and I'm getting comfortable," she added. ADVERTISEMENT The couple, who got married in a private ceremony at Ilashe beach in 2019 and welcomed their daughter Adejare in 2020, have found a harmonious balance between their personal lives and their careers. Simi emphasized the importance of respecting each other's crafts and maintaining boundaries. "We're very respectful of each other's crafts and opinions as singers. We also think it's important to create boundaries; work is work and I think we've been able to do very good with that," she remarked. This partnership not only highlights their individual talents but also underscores their ability to collaborate and support each other in a competitive industry. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tags

Tinubu and governors target lower transport fares from October 1 through CNG and EVs, but no nationwide fare schedule has been published. ABUJA, Nigeria — 28 August 2026: President Bola Tinubu says federal and state governments are targeting lower public-transport fares from 1 October by expanding compressed natural gas and electric vehicles. He also directed the rollout of 500 additional CNG refuelling stations. The policy is confirmed, but no binding nationwide fare table or state-by-state implementation schedule has been published. Will transport fares fall across Nigeria on October 1? The federal government and governors have set 1 October 2026 as the target for commuters to start seeing savings from CNG and electric vehicles. However, the announcement is a policy goal, not an automatic national fare cut; states and transport operators still have to implement it. Premium Times reported that Tinubu announced the plan after meeting the Nigeria Governors’ Forum on Thursday. A joint federal-state committee is expected to develop measures that translate lower operating costs into lower fares, with the emphasis on intra-state transport. The president said vehicles running on CNG can spend 60% to 80% less on fuel than comparable petrol vehicles. That is the government’s rationale for expecting cheaper fares, but fuel savings do not by themselves establish what any bus, taxi or tricycle operator must charge. BusinessDay’s account similarly describes 1 October as the date from which Nigerians should begin to benefit. It does not identify a national fare schedule, enforcement mechanism or list of states with completed plans. That distinction is central to the XTRAfrica angle. The announcement creates a target and implementation process; it does not prove every route in Nigeria will become cheaper on the same day. The CNG network is supposed to make the plan possible Tinubu directed another 500 CNG refuelling stations to be rolled out, taking the programme’s stated target to 1,000 stations nationwide. He also said more than 120,000 vehicles had been converted and over 100,000 additional conversion kits were in the pipeline. The government’s existing infrastructure push is documented on the Nigeria State House website . In May, Tinubu commissioned projects in Lagos, Abuja and Owerri, including a Lagos refuelling network and an Abuja facility designed to serve cars, tricycles, buses and trucks. Continue Reading Full Article TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS Nigeria Targets Lower Transport Fares From October 1 By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Aug 28, 2026 Aug 28, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: ABUJA, Nigeria — 28 August 2026: President Bola Tinubu says federal and state governments are targeting lower public-transport fares from 1 October by expanding compressed natural gas and electric vehicles. He also directed the rollout of 500 additional CNG refuelling stations. The policy is confirmed, but no binding nationwide fare table or state-by-state implementation schedule has been published. Will transport fares fall across Nigeria on October 1? The federal government and governors have set 1 October 2026 as the target for commuters to start seeing savings from CNG and electric vehicles. However, the announcement is a policy goal, not an automatic national fare cut; states and transport operators still have to implement it. Premium Times reported that Tinubu announced the plan after meeting the Nigeria Governors’ Forum on Thursday. A joint federal-state committee is expected to develop measures that translate lower operating costs into lower fares, with the emphasis on intra-state transport. The president said vehicles running on CNG can spend 60% to 80% less on fuel than comparable petrol vehicles. That is the government’s rationale for expecting cheaper fares, but fuel savings do not by themselves establish what any bus, taxi or tricycle operator must charge. BusinessDay’s account similarly describes 1 October as the date from which Nigerians should begin to benefit. It does not identify a national fare schedule, enforcement mechanism or list of states with completed plans. That distinction is central to the XTRAfrica angle. The announcement creates a target and implementation process; it does not prove every route in Nigeria will become cheaper on the same day. ADVERTISEMENT The CNG network is supposed to make the plan possible Tinubu directed another 500 CNG refuelling stations to be rolled out, taking the programme’s stated target to 1,000 stations nationwide. He also said more than 120,000 vehicles had been converted and over 100,000 additional conversion kits were in the pipeline. The government’s existing infrastructure push is documented on the Nigeria State House website . In May, Tinubu commissioned projects in Lagos, Abuja and Owerri, including a Lagos refuelling network and an Abuja facility designed to serve cars, tricycles, buses and trucks. A March State House policy statement expanded the Presidential CNG Initiative to include electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and financing for conversions. Those earlier decisions supply the infrastructure context for the new fare target. XTRAfrica has separately covered Nigerians’ complaints about rising fuel and transport costs , job concerns around automated fuel stations and the strategic role of the Dangote refinery . The CNG plan addresses a different question: whether cheaper vehicle energy can be converted into lower everyday fares. ADVERTISEMENT What commuters should verify before expecting cheaper fares The most important missing detail is state implementation. Intra-state routes are regulated and organised differently across Nigeria, so commuters should watch for notices from their state government, transport ministry, transport unions and recognised operators. They should also distinguish a CNG vehicle’s lower fuel cost from a government-approved fare. Operators may face other costs, including finance, maintenance, wages, insurance and station access. A credible fare reduction needs route-level prices, an effective date, responsible agencies and a way to report non-compliance. Legit.ng ’s report places the original announcement at about 10:05 PM WAT on 27 August. Morning coverage on 28 August broadened the search interest around the October 1 date, the extra 500 stations and which states will act first. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY International Justice FBI Sends Tinubu Records to US Judge for Private Review . Transport and Logistics Nigeria Targets Lower Transport Fares From October 1 . Sports Trends Ibrahim Gusau Resigns: What Happens Next at the NFF? . Terrorism and Security Nigeria Kidnapping Ransoms Triple to ₦7.78 Billion . Biography Ayyoub Bouaddi Biography: Age, Parents and Man City Move . What happens next The joint committee’s membership, timetable and state commitments are the next verifiable milestones. Authorities also need to publish where the additional stations will be located and how quickly conversion capacity will expand outside major cities. Until those details appear, the safest formulation is that Nigeria is targeting lower fares from 1 October. It would be inaccurate to tell commuters that every public-transport fare has already been ordered down or that a uniform national price begins automatically on that date. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE International Justice FBI Sends Tinubu Records to US Judge for Private Review The sealed FOIA filing is not public and makes no new finding against Nigeria’s president. . Transport and Logistics Nigeria Targets Lower Transport Fares From October 1 Tinubu orders 500 more CNG stations, but fare cuts depend on state implementation. . Sports Trends Ibrahim Gusau Resigns: What Happens Next at the NFF? The NFF president confirmed his exit in Abuja, opening a leadership transition. . Terrorism and Security Nigeria Kidnapping Ransoms Triple to ₦7.78 Billion A new SBM Intelligence report says 7,825 people were abducted as mass kidnappings reshaped the crisis. . Tags Nigeria News Nigeria News Nigeria Gov Services Nigeria Gov Services Nigeria Nigeria

Alexis Ortega, the Mexican voice actor known for Spanish Spider-Man dubs, has died at 38, according to World Dubbing News. According to the source article, Mexican voice actor Alexis Ortega, best known for voicing Spider-Man in Spanish-language versions of Marvel films, has died at the age of 38. World Dubbing News confirmed the death on Tuesday in a statement expressing noting condolences to Ortega’s family , friends, and colleagues. The cause of death was not disclosed. Born in Mexico in 1987, Ortega began his acting career in 2013, working as both a screen actor and voice performer. He later became widely recognized for dubbing Tom Holland’s Spider-Man roles into Spanish, including appearances in Spider-Man: Homecoming and Avengers: Infinity War . In addition to Marvel projects, Ortega contributed Spanish voice work to several Disney productions, including Big Hero 6 and Star Wars: Rogue One . His on-screen credits included appearances in television series such as Luis Miguel: The Series , El Candidato , The House of Flowers , and Thursday’s Widows . Following the announcement of his death, fans and colleagues shared tributes across social media, highlighting his performances and the lasting impact of his voice work. Ortega’s final Instagram post, shared in November last year, showed him at his home in Mexico City with his dog. Source: Tribune Online (via World Dubbing News, Metro UK) Continue Reading Full Article HOLLYWOOD UPDATES Spider-Man Voice Actor Alexis Ortega Dies at 38 By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Jan 29, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: According to the source article, Mexican voice actor Alexis Ortega, best known for voicing Spider-Man in Spanish-language versions of Marvel films, has died at the age of 38. World Dubbing News confirmed the death on Tuesday in a statement expressing noting condolences to Ortega’s family , friends, and colleagues. The cause of death was not disclosed. Born in Mexico in 1987, Ortega began his acting career in 2013, working as both a screen actor and voice performer. He later became widely recognized for dubbing Tom Holland’s Spider-Man roles into Spanish, including appearances in Spider-Man: Homecoming and Avengers: Infinity War . ADVERTISEMENT In addition to Marvel projects, Ortega contributed Spanish voice work to several Disney productions, including Big Hero 6 and Star Wars: Rogue One . His on-screen credits included appearances in television series such as Luis Miguel: The Series , El Candidato , The House of Flowers , and Thursday’s Widows . Following the announcement of his death, fans and colleagues shared tributes across social media, highlighting his performances and the lasting impact of his voice work. Ortega’s final Instagram post, shared in November last year, showed him at his home in Mexico City with his dog. ADVERTISEMENT Source: Tribune Online (via World Dubbing News, Metro UK) ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . Entertainment Jub Jub Arrest Warrant Issued After Missed Court Appearance . Entertainment Black Coffee Wins R7 Million Court Battle Against Maserati . Entertainment Funke Akindele Faces Mixed Reactions Over Birthday Post . ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto FOLA earned 10 nominations as The Headies prepares its October ceremony in Toronto . Entertainment Jub Jub Arrest Warrant Issued After Missed Court Appearance The warrant was held over after Jub Jub missed court citing illness and will not be enforced yet. . Entertainment Black Coffee Wins R7 Million Court Battle Against Maserati The High Court ordered Maserati to repay Soulistic Music over an undelivered customised MC20 Cielo. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment United States United States

In an ambitious move to bolster its economy, Nigeria is currently on the lookout for skilled fund managers to steer a newly proposed $10 billion diaspora fund. This initiative aims to harness the significant financial contributions of Nigerians living abroad to fuel investments in key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. With the World Bank reporting over $20 billion in diaspora remittances to Nigeria last year, the government sees a golden opportunity to channel these funds into sustainable local development. The planned diaspora fund is a strategic effort to attract more dollar inflows and foreign investments, which are crucial under the current economic strain marked by foreign currency shortages and a struggling naira. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued a public notice calling for experienced fund managers. The role involves comprehensive fund setup, including legal, operational, financial, and administrative frameworks. Prospective candidates should have a robust track record in Nigeria, showcasing substantial experience in raising capital and managing profitable venture capital funds. The fund, set to operate over a decade with a possible two-year extension, is looking at an initial investment period of three to five years, followed by subsequent investments. This timeline reflects the government's commitment to long-term economic growth fueled by diaspora engagement. Further strengthening this approach, Minister Doris Anite highlighted the initiative as an "unprecedented opportunity" for the Nigerian diaspora to actively participate in the country's economic advancement. Additionally, Nigeria is planning to issue diaspora bonds later this year, aiming to increase foreign exchange inflows further and alleviate the ongoing pressure on the naira. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Apr 27, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite In an ambitious move to bolster its economy, Nigeria is currently on the lookout for skilled fund managers to steer a newly proposed $10 billion diaspora fund. This initiative aims to harness the significant financial contributions of Nigerians living abroad to fuel investments in key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. With the World Bank reporting over $20 billion in diaspora remittances to Nigeria last year, the government sees a golden opportunity to channel these funds into sustainable local development. The planned diaspora fund is a strategic effort to attract more dollar inflows and foreign investments, which are crucial under the current economic strain marked by foreign currency shortages and a struggling naira. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued a public notice calling for experienced fund managers. The role involves comprehensive fund setup, including legal, operational, financial, and administrative frameworks. Prospective candidates should have a robust track record in Nigeria, showcasing substantial experience in raising capital and managing profitable venture capital funds. ADVERTISEMENT The fund, set to operate over a decade with a possible two-year extension, is looking at an initial investment period of three to five years, followed by subsequent investments. This timeline reflects the government's commitment to long-term economic growth fueled by diaspora engagement. Further strengthening this approach, Minister Doris Anite highlighted the initiative as an "unprecedented opportunity" for the Nigerian diaspora to actively participate in the country's economic advancement. Additionally, Nigeria is planning to issue diaspora bonds later this year, aiming to increase foreign exchange inflows further and alleviate the ongoing pressure on the naira. This new diaspora fund represents a critical step towards leveraging the economic potential of Nigerians abroad. By fostering significant investment in essential services and facilities, Nigeria aims to create a more resilient and diversified economy. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tags

CAO applications for 2027 entry are open. Check programme deadlines, fees, required documents, application steps and status tracking. Applications for admission to participating universities and colleges for the 2027 academic year are open through South Africa’s Central Applications Office. The CAO allows applicants to submit one application containing up to six programme choices at participating institutions, mainly in KwaZulu-Natal. There is no single closing date for every course. Each programme has its own deadline, and some competitive health-science and education programmes close earlier than others. Applicants should check the closing date attached to every programme choice before paying and submitting. Official CAO application portal: https://www.cao.ac.za/ Quick Answer Application status: Open Entry year: 2027 Applications opened: 1 March 2026 Application method: Online through CAO Continue Reading Full Article EDUCATION CAO Applications 2027: Deadlines and Fees By Wilson Munezero Government Services & Opportunities Expert Wilson Munezero Home Comment Aug 5, 2026 Aug 5, 2026 21 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Applications for admission to participating universities and colleges for the 2027 academic year are open through South Africa’s Central Applications Office. The CAO allows applicants to submit one application containing up to six programme choices at participating institutions, mainly in KwaZulu-Natal. There is no single closing date for every course. Each programme has its own deadline, and some competitive health-science and education programmes close earlier than others. Applicants should check the closing date attached to every programme choice before paying and submitting. Official CAO application portal: https://www.cao.ac.za/ Quick Answer Application status: Open Entry year: 2027 Applications opened: 1 March 2026 Application method: Online through CAO Maximum programme choices: Six Deadlines: Programme-specific On-time fee for South African applicants: R250 On-time fee for international applicants: R300 Change of Mind fee: R140 per submission Late fee from 1 November: R470 for South African applicants and R580 for international applicants Status-check service: My Application CAO call centre: 031 268 4444 International contact: +27 31 268 4444 Why Applicants Should Apply Now Many CAO programmes remain open, but some high-demand courses have August or September deadlines. For example: DUT Bachelor of Health Science in Diagnostic Radiography: 31 August 2026 DUT Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Science: 30 September 2026 Applications and the full administration fee received by the published programme deadline are treated as on time and receive priority consideration. An application received after a programme deadline may be marked as late. It will generally be considered only after on-time applications and only when the institution still has available space. Some programmes do not accept late applications at all. What Is the CAO? The Central Applications Office processes applications for certificate, diploma and degree programmes offered by participating institutions. It acts as a central application platform, but it does not decide who is admitted. The institutions themselves make the final selection and admission decisions. Submitting a CAO application therefore does not guarantee: Admission Funding Student accommodation Acceptance into every selected programme Consideration after a programme has closed Applicants must meet the institution’s admission requirements and programme-specific selection criteria. Which Institutions Use CAO? The CAO processes applications for major public institutions in KwaZulu-Natal, including: Durban University of Technology Mangosuthu University of Technology University of KwaZulu-Natal University of Zululand The programme list also includes participating private institutions and colleges, such as: AAA School of Advertising Berea College of Technology Berea Technical College Central Technical College Eduvos iStudent MANCOSA Pax College Regent Business School Richfield Stadio Participation may differ by programme, campus and entry term. Applicants should use the official programme-search tool to confirm whether the intended qualification is processed through CAO: https://www.cao.ac.za/AvailableProgrammes.aspx Important 2027 Closing Dates CAO does not use one universal deadline for every programme. Each course has an advertised closing date. Early deadlines are common for programmes involving: Interviews Selection tests Portfolios Medical screening Limited clinical placements High application demand Examples confirmed in the 2027 programme information include: Institution and programme Programme code Closing date DUT Bachelor of Health Science: Diagnostic Radiography DU-D-RAD 31 August 2026 DUT Bachelor of Health Sciences: Medical Laboratory Science DU-D-BLS 30 September 2026 DUT Diploma in Ecotourism DU-P-ET3 30 September 2026 These are examples only. Applicants must check the deadline for each selected programme on the live CAO programme list. What Happens After a Programme Deadline? An application submitted after a course’s advertised deadline is normally labelled: Late Application Application Late Programme Closed ADVERTISEMENT The exact status depends on the programme and institution. A late application may be considered only after all on-time applications have been processed. A programme marked No Late Applications Will Be Considered cannot be added successfully after its deadline for consideration. This often affects medicine and selected health-science or education programmes. The application fee should therefore be paid before the programme deadline, not merely before the general CAO late-fee date. CAO Application Fees for 2027 The CAO administration fee is non-refundable. On-Time Administration Fee South African applicants: R250 International applicants: R300 The single fee covers an application containing up to six programme choices. Late Administration Fee For first-semester applications and fees received from 1 November , the current late-fee structure is: South African applicants: R470 International applicants: R580 Paying the higher late fee does not guarantee that a closed programme will consider the application. Change of Mind Fee The fee to add, remove, replace or reorder programme choices is: R140 per Change of Mind submission Applicants must re-enter every programme choice they want to keep when submitting a Change of Mind request. How to Pay the CAO Fee Applicants can pay: Online by debit or credit card Through the CAO payment service At an EasyPay outlet EasyPay outlets may include: Shoprite Checkers Pick n Pay Boxer Woolworths Other participating EasyPay retailers Use the unique EasyPay number issued with the CAO application as the payment reference. The application is not made available to the selected institutions until CAO receives the full administration fee. Official payment page: https://www.cao.ac.za/Payment.aspx Documents to Prepare The required documents depend on the applicant’s education history, citizenship and programme choices. Applicants should prepare clear digital copies of relevant documents, including: South African identity document or passport Grade 11 final results for current Grade 12 learners, where requested Latest Grade 12 results available National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate results Academic transcript for applicants who previously studied at a university or college Certificates for qualifications already completed Study permit for international applicants Permanent-residence, refugee or asylum-seeker documents where applicable Signed declaration Parent or legal guardian’s signature on the declaration if the applicant is under 18 Additional programme-specific documents Proof of name or identity changes where applicable Applicants should upload readable documents. Illegible or incomplete files may delay or damage the selection process. The biographical details in the application should exactly match the details registered for the Department of Basic Education’s National Senior Certificate examination. How to Apply Through CAO Step 1: Search for Programmes Open the CAO programme list: https://www.cao.ac.za/AvailableProgrammes.aspx Search using: Institution Faculty Campus Programme name Programme code Career direction Entry year Entry term Examination type Review the minimum entrance requirements, points and closing date for each programme. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. ADVERTISEMENT Step 2: Start the Online Application Open the application page: https://www.cao.ac.za/IDLookup.aspx Enter a South African identity number or passport number. Read the instructions and terms before continuing. Step 3: Complete Personal and Academic Details Enter all required information accurately, including: Personal details Contact information Citizenship or residency status School information Examination details Previous study history Programme choices Applicants may choose up to six programmes and should rank them in their genuine order of preference. Step 4: Submit the Application Review the application summary. Correct any errors and select Process My Application . A successful submission should display a confirmation message and generate: CAO number Password EasyPay number Save these details securely. Step 5: Pay and Upload Documents Pay the full administration fee and upload all documents requested by CAO or the selected institutions. Use the Upload My Documents service on the CAO homepage. An application is considered valid only after CAO receives: The completed application Programme choices Signed declaration Parent or guardian consent when required Full administration fee How to Upload Documents Go to the CAO homepage and select Upload My Documents . Log in using the required application details and follow the instructions. Before submitting, check that: The entire document is visible The writing is readable No page is cut off The correct document type is selected Names and identity numbers match the application All required pages have been included Do not upload password-protected or corrupted files. How to Check Your CAO Application Status Applicants can track progress through My Application . Official status page: https://www.cao.ac.za/MyApplicationLogin.aspx Enter one of the following: CAO number South African identity number Passport number The application profile may show: Personal information Uploaded documents Programme choices Financial-aid information Application history Institution decisions Outstanding requirements Applicants should check their status regularly and monitor the email address and cellphone number used in the application. Common CAO Status Meanings Waiting for a Decision The application and full administration fee were received by the programme deadline. The institution has not yet issued a final decision. Late Application The application was received after the programme’s closing date. It may be considered after on-time applications and only if space remains. Programme Closed The programme is no longer accepting applications. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Students Portal NSFAS Trimester 3 Applications 2026: Deadline and Requirements . Students Guide NSFAS Trimester 3 Applications 2026: Deadline and Requirements . Students Guide NSFAS 2026 Application Status: How to Check . Education Second Chance Matric Programme: How to Register . Students Portal NSFAS Supporting Documents: How to Upload Forms . No late application will be considered through CAO for that programme. Awaiting Results or Documents CAO or the institution needs examination results or supporting records before processing can continue. Firm Offer or Conditional Offer The institution has made an offer. A conditional offer normally requires the applicant to meet outstanding academic or other conditions. Applicants must respond within the period stated by the institution. An offer may be withdrawn when the applicant does not respond in time. How to Submit a Change of Mind A Change of Mind allows an applicant to: Add a programme Replace a programme Remove a programme Change the order of choices Extend an application to another entry year or term Open the Change of Mind service from the CAO homepage and log in. Enter the complete updated list of programme choices, including every existing choice that should remain. The fee is R140 for each submission . Once payment reflects, the new choices are shared with the selected institutions. A Change of Mind does not reopen a programme that refuses late applications. Can Applicants Apply Directly to an Institution? Applicants should follow the method published by the institution. When a programme is listed through CAO, the applicant should normally use CAO unless the institution’s official instructions state otherwise. Do not submit duplicate applications through several unofficial websites. CAO handles application administration, but questions about admission decisions must be directed to the institution that made the decision. Does CAO Provide NSFAS Funding? No. A CAO application is not an NSFAS application. Applicants who need financial assistance must apply separately through the official NSFAS platform when applications are open. Admission and funding are different processes. A university offer does not guarantee NSFAS approval, and NSFAS approval does not automatically create a place in a programme. Application Safety Warning XTRAfrica verification warning: Never pay an individual to guarantee university admission, change an application status or secure a place in a closed programme. Pay only through the official CAO payment system or an authorised EasyPay outlet. CAO does not make final selection decisions. Any person promising a guaranteed offer in exchange for money is misrepresenting the process. CAO Contact Details South Africa: 031 268 4444 International callers: +27 31 268 4444 Monday–Thursday: 08:00–16:30 Friday: 08:00–14:00 Physical address: Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street, Cato Manor, Durban Website: https://www.cao.ac.za/ CAO’s face-to-face office is scheduled to operate from 2 March to 30 November 2026 , excluding applicable public holidays and official closures. Important Deadline Reminder There is no single closing date for all CAO applications. Applicants must check the deadline for every programme choice. High-demand courses may close in August or September, while applications received from 1 November 2026 may attract the late administration fee. Apply and pay before the earliest deadline among the selected programmes. Official Sources CAO homepage: https://www.cao.ac.za/ Apply online: https://www.cao.ac.za/IDLookup.aspx Available programmes: https://www.cao.ac.za/AvailableProgrammes.aspx Check My Application: https://www.cao.ac.za/MyApplicationLogin.aspx 2027 Entry Handbook: https://www.cao.ac.za/Download/CAO%20HANDBOOK%202027%20Entry%20web.pdf 2027 application guide: https://www.cao.ac.za/download/A5_Applications%20for%202027%20Entry.pdf 2027 FAQs: https://www.cao.ac.za/2027%20Entry%20FAQs.html Member institutions: https://www.cao.ac.za/institute.aspx?content=InstitutionMain Terms and conditions: https://www.cao.ac.za/Apply.aspx?content=Terms Verification Official organization: Central Applications Office Entry year: 2027 Applications opened: 1 March 2026 Application status: Open Maximum programme choices: Six Deadlines: Programme-specific Change of Mind fee: R140 per submission Date checked: 5 August 2026 Verification status: Confirmed Official application portal: https://www.cao.ac.za/ XTRAfrica is not affiliated with the Central Applications Office or any participating institution. Applicants should rely on the official CAO programme list and institution notices for final deadlines, entry requirements and admission decisions. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Students Portal NSFAS Trimester 3 Applications 2026: Deadline and Requirements NSFAS Trimester 3 applications close today, 23 August 2026. Check requirements and apply through . Students Guide NSFAS Trimester 3 Applications 2026: Deadline and Requirements Apply for NSFAS TVET Trimester 3 funding by 23 August 2026. Check eligibility, documents, . Students Guide NSFAS 2026 Application Status: How to Check Check your NSFAS 2026 application status online, understand each result, upload missing . Education Second Chance Matric Programme: How to Register Learn who qualifies for the Second Chance Matric Programme, Etc... . Tags South Africans Students Portal South Africans Students Portal South Africa South Africa

France’s dismissal of Agathe Kanziga’s case exposes Kagame’s selective justice and propaganda, not Paris’s empathy for genocidaires. When French judges dismissed the case against Agathe Kanziga Habyarimana, widow of former Rwandan president Juvénal Habyarimana, Kigali’s propaganda machine jumped into overdrive. Headlines screamed: “If she were a Nazi, would France dismiss her case?” The Kagame regime and its supporters want the world to believe France shields “genocidaires.” 📌 Quick Facts: Agathe Habyarimana Case But the truth is far more complex. This case reveals not France’s “empathy” for killers, but Paris’s reluctance to hand over justice to a regime that has turned genocide memory into a political weapon. The Flawed Nazi Analogy Kigali compares Agathe Kanziga to Nazi mastermind Heinrich Himmler. The problem? Nuremberg trials were independent international tribunals, not staged courts run by the victors. In Rwanda, justice is monopolized by Kagame’s Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), the same group implicated in atrocities that remain unpunished. Labeling Kanziga “Himmler” serves one purpose: to distract from Kagame’s own role in April 1994. Multiple investigations, including French and Spanish judges, have pointed to the RPF as responsible for shooting down Habyarimana’s plane, the very act that ignited the massacres. France has, in fact, tried and convicted several Rwandans accused of genocide crimes. But extraditing Agathe Kanziga to Kigali would mean handing her over to a system where trials are political theatre. Kagame’s government routinely fabricates charges and brands critics as “gen ocide deniers” or “ideologues.” This isn’t about shielding suspects. It’s about refusing to be complicit in Kagame’s abuse of “genocide justice” for political ends. The Forgotten Victims While Kigali demands action on Kanziga, it silences any probe into RPF war crimes. The UN Mapping Report (2010) documented mass killings of Hutu refugees in Congo—crimes that may qualify as genocide. Yet no RPF commander has ever faced trial. Continue Reading Full Article JUSTICE France Rejects Kagame’s Political Justice in Agathe Kanziga Case By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Aug 26, 2025 May 15, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: When French judges dismissed the case against Agathe Kanziga Habyarimana, widow of former Rwandan president Juvénal Habyarimana, Kigali’s propaganda machine jumped into overdrive. Headlines screamed: “If she were a Nazi, would France dismiss her case?” The Kagame regime and its supporters want the world to believe France shields “genocidaires.” 📌 Quick Facts: Agathe Habyarimana Case But the truth is far more complex. This case reveals not France’s “empathy” for killers, but Paris’s reluctance to hand over justice to a regime that has turned genocide memory into a political weapon. The Flawed Nazi Analogy Kigali compares Agathe Kanziga to Nazi mastermind Heinrich Himmler. The problem? Nuremberg trials were independent international tribunals, not staged courts run by the victors. In Rwanda, justice is monopolized by Kagame’s Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), the same group implicated in atrocities that remain unpunished. Labeling Kanziga “Himmler” serves one purpose: to distract from Kagame’s own role in April 1994. Multiple investigations, including French and Spanish judges, have pointed to the RPF as responsible for shooting down Habyarimana’s plane, the very act that ignited the massacres. ADVERTISEMENT France has, in fact, tried and convicted several Rwandans accused of genocide crimes. But extraditing Agathe Kanziga to Kigali would mean handing her over to a system where trials are political theatre. Kagame’s government routinely fabricates charges and brands critics as “gen ocide deniers” or “ideologues.” This isn’t about shielding suspects. It’s about refusing to be complicit in Kagame’s abuse of “genocide justice” for political ends. The Forgotten Victims While Kigali demands action on Kanziga, it silences any probe into RPF war crimes. The UN Mapping Report (2010) documented mass killings of Hutu refugees in Congo—crimes that may qualify as genocide. Yet no RPF commander has ever faced trial. ADVERTISEMENT Why is justice only one-sided? Why are Hutu victims erased from the narrative? If France is guilty of “empathy for genocidaires,” then Kagame is guilty of empathy for his own unpunished generals. By dismissing the case, French judges are not saying Kanziga is innocent. They are saying Rwanda’s evidence is insufficient, inconsistent, or politically tainted. That caution reflects an uncomfortable reality: the Kagame regime’s record of witness intimidation, staged dossiers, and political prosecutions. France may carry historical responsibility for its role in Rwanda, but it refuses to be turned into an extension of Kagame’s propaganda machine. True justice means accountability for all sides. It means survivors of Tutsi massacres and survivors of RPF massacres in Congo both deserve their day in court. It means moving beyond Rwanda’s “official story,” where one group’s pain is weaponized to silence the suffering of another. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Rwanda Politics Kagame Sides With Journalist Against His Own Foreign Minister . Natural Disasters Guinea Landfill Landslide Kills 30 as Search Continues . Justice & Crime Niger Governor Orders Rescue of Worshippers Abducted in Borgu . Biography DJ Maphorisa Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Amapiano Rise . Biography Who Is Patrick Vieira, Senegal’s New Head Coach? . Until Kagame allows open, impartial investigations into his own crimes, calls for France to hand over suspects ring hollow. The dismissal of Agathe Kanziga’s case is not proof of France’s sympathy for genocide suspects. It is a warning: the world sees through selective justice. Kagame’s regime cannot forever monopolize the story of 1994 while burying its own sins in the forests of Congo. Justice for Rwanda must mean justice for all. 📌 Quick Facts: Agathe Habyarimana Case Who is Agathe Habyarimana? Widow of Rwanda’s former president Juvénal Habyarimana, killed on 6 April 1994. Lived in exile in France since 1998. What was the case? Accused of leading the “Akazu,” an alleged inner circle blamed for spreading hate propaganda. Placed under investigation in France in 2007 for conspiracy to commit genocide. Kept status of “assisted witness” since 2016, never charged. The Ruling (Aug 21, 2025): French judges dismissed the case after 17 years. Ruled evidence from Rwanda was “contradictory, unreliable, and politically tainted.” Why not extradited? France refused Kigali’s requests, fearing political trials. Judges cited risks of witness intimidation and one-sided justice in Rwanda. Wider Context: UN Mapping Report (2010) documented RPF massacres of Hutu refugees in Congo — possible crimes against humanity. No RPF commander has faced trial. What it means: Agathe remains free in France at age 82. Raises debate about Rwanda’s selective justice and France’s responsibility. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Rwanda Politics Kagame Sides With Journalist Against His Own Foreign Minister Kagame said Olivier Nduhungirehe, not journalist Scovia Umutesi, should have apologized. . Natural Disasters Guinea Landfill Landslide Kills 30 as Search Continues Rescuers are searching for survivors after a massive waste collapse buried homes in Conakry. . Justice & Crime Niger Governor Orders Rescue of Worshippers Abducted in Borgu Governor Bago orders intensified rescue efforts as officials verify how many worshippers were abducted. . Biography DJ Maphorisa Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Amapiano Rise Meet the South African producer behind Scorpion Kings, “Khona,” “One Dance” and amapiano hits. . Tags Trending News Trending News Rwanda Rwanda Agathe Habyarimana Agathe Habyarimana

Returnees in Rubaya, Masisi say cost blocks care, driving self-medication as health staff urge urgent support for free services. In Rubaya, a mining town in Masisi territory (North Kivu) , families who recently returned after conflict-driven displacement say they are struggling to access basic healthcare largely because they cannot afford consultations and medicines. Some residents report staying home while sick or turning to self-medication, a trend local health workers describe as increasingly risky actualite reports . Cost is keeping patients away from the clinic Returnees interviewed in Rubaya describe a daily reality shaped by economic insecurity: choosing between food and medical care. Several said they avoid health facilities altogether because they expect they will not be able to pay after a consultation especially if treatment requires multiple prescriptions. “We are sick, but we cannot afford to go to the hospital… Without money for medicine, our lives are in danger,” residents told local reporters in Rubaya. At the Rubaya Reference Health Center, staff say they are seeing fewer patients than expected despite persistent needs. Gabriel Kundabose, a community liaison and deputy secretary of the local Health Committee (COSA), links the drop in attendance to out-of-pocket costs. He says “community participation” in paying for care has fallen sharply, and that many patients delay treatment until conditions worsen. Health workers in Rubaya warn that when people avoid clinics, illnesses often go undiagnosed and untreated. Returnees interviewed in the report described relying on home treatment and traditional healers without prior testing or medical guidance an approach clinicians say can delay proper care, complicate infections, and increase preventable deaths. This pattern is not unique to Rubaya. Across parts of North and South Kivu, humanitarian reporting has repeatedly flagged how non-functional facilities, looting, supply gaps, and limited electricity constrain service delivery especially in areas where families are trying to return and rebuild. For example, OCHA has documented that in several return areas of Masisi, health facilities have remained damaged or under-equipped, with shortages of supplies and basic infrastructure. The “return phase” is exposing a new frontline For many communities, returning home is often treated as a sign that the crisis is easing. But Rubaya illustrates a harsher truth: return does not automatically mean recovery. Continue Reading Full Article DRC PEACE EFFORT Rubaya returnees face new barrier: healthcare access in Masisi By The Editorial Staff Public Services The Editorial Staff Home Comment Jan 28, 2026 May 15, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: In Rubaya, a mining town in Masisi territory (North Kivu) , families who recently returned after conflict-driven displacement say they are struggling to access basic healthcare largely because they cannot afford consultations and medicines. Some residents report staying home while sick or turning to self-medication, a trend local health workers describe as increasingly risky actualite reports . Cost is keeping patients away from the clinic Returnees interviewed in Rubaya describe a daily reality shaped by economic insecurity: choosing between food and medical care. Several said they avoid health facilities altogether because they expect they will not be able to pay after a consultation especially if treatment requires multiple prescriptions. “We are sick, but we cannot afford to go to the hospital… Without money for medicine, our lives are in danger,” residents told local reporters in Rubaya. At the Rubaya Reference Health Center, staff say they are seeing fewer patients than expected despite persistent needs. Gabriel Kundabose, a community liaison and deputy secretary of the local Health Committee (COSA), links the drop in attendance to out-of-pocket costs. He says “community participation” in paying for care has fallen sharply, and that many patients delay treatment until conditions worsen. ADVERTISEMENT Health workers in Rubaya warn that when people avoid clinics, illnesses often go undiagnosed and untreated. Returnees interviewed in the report described relying on home treatment and traditional healers without prior testing or medical guidance an approach clinicians say can delay proper care, complicate infections, and increase preventable deaths. This pattern is not unique to Rubaya. Across parts of North and South Kivu, humanitarian reporting has repeatedly flagged how non-functional facilities, looting, supply gaps, and limited electricity constrain service delivery especially in areas where families are trying to return and rebuild. For example, OCHA has documented that in several return areas of Masisi, health facilities have remained damaged or under-equipped, with shortages of supplies and basic infrastructure. The “return phase” is exposing a new frontline For many communities, returning home is often treated as a sign that the crisis is easing. But Rubaya illustrates a harsher truth: return does not automatically mean recovery. When health access depends on user fees, the return phase can quickly become a second emergency one defined by untreated disease, worsening maternal and child health outcomes, and preventable complications. The ICRC has warned that health facilities in eastern DRC have faced serious strain, including medicine shortages and staffing gaps, as violence and insecurity disrupt supply routes and overwhelm services . ADVERTISEMENT Conflict dynamics still shape the health crisis Rubaya sits in a wider conflict environment where armed groups including M23 have been active and where control of strategic areas can shift. Even when frontlines move away from a town, the aftereffects remain: destroyed livelihoods, interrupted markets, and reduced household income all of which directly affect whether families can pay for treatment. Regionally, Kinshasa has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing M23 , while Rwanda has denied supporting the group. International reporting has also addressed these allegations: UN sanctions reporting mechanisms for the DRC have published expert reports related to armed groups and regional dynamics . For civilians, the practical consequence is clear: prolonged insecurity and repeated displacement undermine health systems and household finances at the same time leaving returnees exposed when they come back. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Opposition Politics Why C64 Plans a July 8 March to Demand Tshisekedi's Resignation . War in Eastern DRC FARDC Says It Is Thwarting M23 Advances Despite Rwandan Drone Support . War in Eastern DRC Lubutu Seeks Troop Reinforcements After Deadly Clashes . War in DR Congo Bukavu–Uvira Road Closure Leaves Nearly 1,000 Stranded . Political Parties C64 Delays Complaint Against Tshisekedi . Local authorities appeal for emergency support Faced with falling clinic attendance and growing concern about untreated illness, local health authorities in Rubaya are calling on humanitarian organizations to reinforce facilities with essential medicines and supplies. The aim, according to the report, is to make care free or subsidized for the most vulnerable particularly returnee families with little or no income. Kundabose urged NGOs “driven by a spirit of solidarity” to support returnees by enabling free access to care, arguing it would significantly improve public health outcomes. What happens next If emergency support does not arrive quickly, health workers say Rubaya risks a cycle where delayed treatment becomes the norm raising the likelihood of severe cases, higher costs later, and avoidable deaths. A targeted response subsidized services, essential drug stocks, and community outreach could help stabilize access while longer-term recovery efforts rebuild livelihoods. Source : Actualite cd ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Opposition Politics Why C64 Plans a July 8 March to Demand Tshisekedi's Resignation DRC opposition coalition announces nationwide protest over constitutional reform dispute . War in Eastern DRC FARDC Says It Is Thwarting M23 Advances Despite Rwandan Drone Support DRC government says army continues to repel AFC/M23 operations in North and South Kivu. . War in Eastern DRC Lubutu Seeks Troop Reinforcements After Deadly Clashes Local authorities say extra forces are needed after FARDC-Mai-Mai fighting killed six. . War in DR Congo Bukavu–Uvira Road Closure Leaves Nearly 1,000 Stranded Stranded travelers face rising costs as RN5 closure disrupts movement . 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Local sources say FARDC and Wazalendo pushed back an AFC/M23 assault on Fungura Hill near Pinga, in North Kivu’s Walikale territory Security forces and local allied fighters have kept the Pinga area on heightened alert after an attempted AFC/M23 assault was reported near the town, in North Kivu’s Walikale territory. According to reports , the attack was repelled on Fungura Hill on Monday, March 2. Local customary sources cited by the outlet said the attackers came from Mpety before targeting FARDC positions supported by Wazalendo fighters in Banakindi (Kisimba group), overlooking Katobi. Heavy and light weapons fire was reported for several hours, heightening fears among residents. Fungura Hill is described as a key defensive position for Pinga, with local sources warning that a breakthrough could open access toward surrounding settlements. The outlet reported that FARDC and Wazalendo contained the assault and pushed the attackers back to their initial positions. With Walikale among several North Kivu territories seeing recurring clashes, residents around Pinga remain worried about renewed hostilities in the coming days, as the area stays under close surveillance, according to the report. Continue Reading Full Article JUSTICE & CRIME FARDC, Wazalendo repel AFC/M23 attack near Pinga, Walikale By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Mar 3, 2026 May 15, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Security forces and local allied fighters have kept the Pinga area on heightened alert after an attempted AFC/M23 assault was reported near the town, in North Kivu’s Walikale territory. According to reports , the attack was repelled on Fungura Hill on Monday, March 2. Local customary sources cited by the outlet said the attackers came from Mpety before targeting FARDC positions supported by Wazalendo fighters in Banakindi (Kisimba group), overlooking Katobi. Heavy and light weapons fire was reported for several hours, heightening fears among residents. ADVERTISEMENT Fungura Hill is described as a key defensive position for Pinga, with local sources warning that a breakthrough could open access toward surrounding settlements. The outlet reported that FARDC and Wazalendo contained the assault and pushed the attackers back to their initial positions. ADVERTISEMENT With Walikale among several North Kivu territories seeing recurring clashes, residents around Pinga remain worried about renewed hostilities in the coming days, as the area stays under close surveillance, according to the report. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Justice & Crime Tshisekedi: No Military Conquest Will Become Political Legitimacy" . War in Eastern DRC Rwanda Raises Interest Rate to 8.75% as Inflation Hits 14.5% . Peace For DRC Now Tshisekedi Launches DRC National Dialogue for Peace and Reform . PRESS RELEASE DRC Protects Students, Diplomas in AFC/M23-Held Areas . Infrastructure DRC and Angola Accelerate Joint Oil and Power Projects . ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Justice & Crime Tshisekedi: No Military Conquest Will Become Political Legitimacy" Tshisekedi says armed groups cannot turn military conquest into political legitimacy, . War in Eastern DRC Rwanda Raises Interest Rate to 8.75% as Inflation Hits 14.5% Rwanda faces surging prices at home as US sanctions and tighter external financing add pressure abroad. . Peace For DRC Now Tshisekedi Launches DRC National Dialogue for Peace and Reform The three-month process will reach all 26 provinces and seek consensus on peace, cohesion and . PRESS RELEASE DRC Protects Students, Diplomas in AFC/M23-Held Areas Kinshasa says students will not restart their studies as temporary measures protect academic records, . Tags DR.Congo DR.Congo Wazalendo DRC Wazalendo DRC DR Congo Rising DR Congo Rising African Union African Union