Bigirimana Jean’s new book argues for African political union as Sahel shifts and Burundi holds the AU chair in 2026. Burundian author and former minister Bigirimana Jean has published a new book setting out a forward-looking proposal for deeper African political integration, including a common army, shared market structures, a common currency and unified diplomacy. The release, presented as La révolution sahélienne : Appel à l’unité africaine, comes as Burundi holds the African Union chairmanship for 2026. According to the main source, the 136-page book was published on March 13, 2026 by Les Éditions du Net and examines geopolitical changes in the Sahel while arguing that Africa’s long-term security and strategic autonomy should be built through continental political union. The work also frames the Alliance of Sahel States as part of a broader sovereignty debate now shaping regional politics. The book’s central proposal is explicitly forward-looking. Rather than focusing only on current crises, Bigirimana argues that African states should move toward institutions capable of securing territory, easing economic circulation and strengthening collective diplomatic weight. In the source’s presentation of the book, that vision rests on four pillars: a common military architecture, a common currency, a stronger internal market and coordinated diplomacy. That framing lands at a moment when continental security mechanisms remain highly relevant. The African Union’s Peace and Security architecture includes the African Standby Force, a long-established mechanism designed to support peace operations and crisis response across the continent. The source links that framework to current debates around the Sahel and the future of African-led security capacity. The timing also gives the publication added political visibility. The African Union formally elected Burundi ’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye as Chairperson of the Union for 2026 at its 39th Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, succeeding Angola’s João Lourenço. That official handover makes the article’s broader connection between Burundi’s current continental role and renewed discussion around African institutional reform more credible as context, even though the book’s specific arguments remain those of the author. More broadly, the book appears positioned not as an event-driven commentary but as a political proposal for what African integration could look like in a more fragmented and multipolar era. Its emphasis on sovereignty, intra-African capacity and institution-building places it within a wider debate on how the continent should respond to security shocks, economic pressure and shifting geopolitical alignments. Continue Reading Full Article SOCIAL MEDIA TRENDS Burundi’s Bigirimana calls for African political union in new book By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Mar 15, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Burundian author and former minister Bigirimana Jean has published a new book setting out a forward-looking proposal for deeper African political integration, including a common army, shared market structures, a common currency and unified diplomacy. The release, presented as La révolution sahélienne : Appel à l’unité africaine, comes as Burundi holds the African Union chairmanship for 2026. According to the main source, the 136-page book was published on March 13, 2026 by Les Éditions du Net and examines geopolitical changes in the Sahel while arguing that Africa’s long-term security and strategic autonomy should be built through continental political union. The work also frames the Alliance of Sahel States as part of a broader sovereignty debate now shaping regional politics. ADVERTISEMENT The book’s central proposal is explicitly forward-looking. Rather than focusing only on current crises, Bigirimana argues that African states should move toward institutions capable of securing territory, easing economic circulation and strengthening collective diplomatic weight. In the source’s presentation of the book, that vision rests on four pillars: a common military architecture, a common currency, a stronger internal market and coordinated diplomacy. That framing lands at a moment when continental security mechanisms remain highly relevant. The African Union’s Peace and Security architecture includes the African Standby Force, a long-established mechanism designed to support peace operations and crisis response across the continent. The source links that framework to current debates around the Sahel and the future of African-led security capacity. ADVERTISEMENT The timing also gives the publication added political visibility. The African Union formally elected Burundi ’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye as Chairperson of the Union for 2026 at its 39th Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, succeeding Angola’s João Lourenço. That official handover makes the article’s broader connection between Burundi’s current continental role and renewed discussion around African institutional reform more credible as context, even though the book’s specific arguments remain those of the author. 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 Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply . Scholarships UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Opens to Africans . Scholarships Chevening Scholarships 2027–2028 Open Across Africa — How to Apply . African Culture Himba Clothing and Adornment: Meaning of Traditional Dress . International Relations Ndayishimiye Backs Leopards After Historic Draw With Portugal . More broadly, the book appears positioned not as an event-driven commentary but as a political proposal for what African integration could look like in a more fragmented and multipolar era. Its emphasis on sovereignty, intra-African capacity and institution-building places it within a wider debate on how the continent should respond to security shocks, economic pressure and shifting geopolitical alignments. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply Up to 120 EAC Master’s scholarships are open to nationals of eight East African countries, . Scholarships UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Opens to Africans UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 is open to African students with ... . Scholarships Chevening Scholarships 2027–2028 Open Across Africa — How to Apply Chevening Scholarships 2027–2028 are open to eligible African applicants. See funding, . African Culture Himba Clothing and Adornment: Meaning of Traditional Dress What otjize, jewelry, hairstyles, and clothing represent in Himba culture . Tags Africa Africa DR.Congo DR.Congo Burundi Burundi African Union African Union DR Congo Rising DR Congo Rising Pan-Africanism Pan-Africanism Xtrafrica News Xtrafrica News DR Congo's Tourism DR Congo's Tourism African Union African Union Pana-Africa Pana-Africa Burundi’s Vision 2040–206 Burundi’s Vision 2040–206

Landry N'Guemo, the former Cameroonian international footballer, tragically died on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in a car accident in Cameroon. N'Guemo, who played for Bordeaux, Nancy, and Saint-Etienne among others, was also a member of the national team for eight years. He was 38 years old. N'Guemo's death marks a day of mourning for Cameroonian football. The accident occurred on the road to Obala in the central region of Cameroon. According to L'Équipe, the vehicle in which N'Guemo was traveling was "crushed on impact." Born in Yaoundé on November 28, 1985, Landry N'Guemo was discovered by AS Nancy-Lorraine , where he completed his training before making his professional debut in 2005 at the age of 19. The 1.73m defensive midfielder first donned the Indomitable Lions jersey in September 2006. He was loaned to Celtic FC in Scotland for the 2009-2010 season before returning to France in 2011, signing with Girondins de Bordeaux. He later played for AS Saint-Etienne, Akhisar Belediyespor and Kayserispor in Turkey, and finished his career after the 2019-2020 season with Kongsvinger IL Toppfotball in Norway. N'Guemo wanted to "pass on his knowledge and experience to the kids." He was a Coupe de la Ligue winner with Nancy in 2006 and a Coupe de France winner with Bordeaux in 2013. N'Guemo was also part of the Cameroonian national team that was the runner-up in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana, losing to Egypt. He earned 42 caps and scored three goals for the Indomitable Lions. After retiring from professional football, N'Guemo returned to AS Nancy-Lorraine as the under-16s coach. The Lorraine club expressed "immense sadness" at the tragic loss of a club figure who joined their training center at the age of 16. As a coach, he aimed to "pass on his knowledge and experience to the kids." ASNL extended their "sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones." The club added, "Rest in peace, Landry." By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Jun 27, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Landry N'Guemo, the former Cameroonian international footballer, tragically died on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in a car accident in Cameroon. N'Guemo, who played for Bordeaux, Nancy, and Saint-Etienne among others, was also a member of the national team for eight years. He was 38 years old. N'Guemo's death marks a day of mourning for Cameroonian football. The accident occurred on the road to Obala in the central region of Cameroon. According to L'Équipe, the vehicle in which N'Guemo was traveling was "crushed on impact." ADVERTISEMENT Born in Yaoundé on November 28, 1985, Landry N'Guemo was discovered by AS Nancy-Lorraine , where he completed his training before making his professional debut in 2005 at the age of 19. The 1.73m defensive midfielder first donned the Indomitable Lions jersey in September 2006. He was loaned to Celtic FC in Scotland for the 2009-2010 season before returning to France in 2011, signing with Girondins de Bordeaux. He later played for AS Saint-Etienne, Akhisar Belediyespor and Kayserispor in Turkey, and finished his career after the 2019-2020 season with Kongsvinger IL Toppfotball in Norway. ADVERTISEMENT N'Guemo wanted to "pass on his knowledge and experience to the kids." He was a Coupe de la Ligue winner with Nancy in 2006 and a Coupe de France winner with Bordeaux in 2013. N'Guemo was also part of the Cameroonian national team that was the runner-up in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana, losing to Egypt. He earned 42 caps and scored three goals for the Indomitable Lions. After retiring from professional football, N'Guemo returned to AS Nancy-Lorraine as the under-16s coach. The Lorraine club expressed "immense sadness" at the tragic loss of a club figure who joined their training center at the age of 16. As a coach, he aimed to "pass on his knowledge and experience to the kids." ASNL extended their "sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones." The club added, "Rest in peace, Landry." 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

Explore Stone Town on a practical walking route through Darajani, Mkunazini, Hamamni, Shangani and Forodhani, with current restoration advice. Stone Town rewards travellers who slow down. Its carved doors, shaded passages and sea-facing mansions are not a preserved stage set but part of Zanzibar City, where homes, mosques, churches, shops and cafés still share the same compact streets. The best first visit therefore combines major monuments with ordinary street life rather than racing between photo stops. This guide provides a realistic route from Darajani Market to Forodhani Gardens. It complements our broader Zanzibar Travel Guide , which covers beaches, accommodation areas and island transport. Allow half a day if you mainly want to walk and a full day if you plan to enter a museum, eat lunch and pause during the hottest hours. How should you explore Stone Town for the first time? Start at Darajani in the cooler morning, continue through Mkunazini, Hamamni and Shangani, then reach the waterfront for sunset and food at Forodhani. Give the route a full day, dress respectfully and confirm same-day access because restoration work can close important buildings. Stone Town Is a Living City, Not a Monument Circuit Stone Town occupies the western side of Unguja, the main island in the Zanzibar archipelago. It is the historic core of Zanzibar City, not a separate resort town. UNESCO describes it as an outstanding Swahili trading town shaped over centuries by African, Arab, Indian and European influences. Its dense plan, coral-rag buildings, courtyards, shopfronts and narrow lanes make sense only when read together. The area was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2000. Its significance includes Indian Ocean commerce, distinctive architecture and its association with both the East African slave trade and the campaign to end it. Those histories deserve more than a quick doorway photograph. They also sit beside present-day life: children walk to school, worshippers enter religious buildings, residents talk on stone benches known as baraza , and delivery carts squeeze through the lanes. For wider context before combining Zanzibar with the mainland, use our Tanzania Travel Guide . Plan at least one night in Stone Town; two allow an unhurried walk, a museum and an evening meal. Practical Plan: The Stone Town Walking Route This is a direction of travel rather than a rigid tour. Streets bend, names vary between maps and construction can alter access. Use the UNESCO map and heritage overview for orientation. Download an offline street map, but expect to ask people for directions. Continue Reading Full Article TRAVEL GUIDE Stone Town Travel Guide: History, Food and a Walking Route By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Aug 23, 2026 Aug 23, 2026 16 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Stone Town rewards travellers who slow down. Its carved doors, shaded passages and sea-facing mansions are not a preserved stage set but part of Zanzibar City, where homes, mosques, churches, shops and cafés still share the same compact streets. The best first visit therefore combines major monuments with ordinary street life rather than racing between photo stops. This guide provides a realistic route from Darajani Market to Forodhani Gardens. It complements our broader Zanzibar Travel Guide , which covers beaches, accommodation areas and island transport. Allow half a day if you mainly want to walk and a full day if you plan to enter a museum, eat lunch and pause during the hottest hours. How should you explore Stone Town for the first time? Start at Darajani in the cooler morning, continue through Mkunazini, Hamamni and Shangani, then reach the waterfront for sunset and food at Forodhani. Give the route a full day, dress respectfully and confirm same-day access because restoration work can close important buildings. Stone Town Is a Living City, Not a Monument Circuit Stone Town’s harbour and historic waterfront photographed in May 2024, showing the maritime setting that shaped Zanzibar’s growth as an Indian Ocean trading centre. Photo: Diego Delso, delso. photo/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Stone Town occupies the western side of Unguja, the main island in the Zanzibar archipelago. It is the historic core of Zanzibar City, not a separate resort town. UNESCO describes it as an outstanding Swahili trading town shaped over centuries by African, Arab, Indian and European influences. Its dense plan, coral-rag buildings, courtyards, shopfronts and narrow lanes make sense only when read together. The area was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2000. Its significance includes Indian Ocean commerce, distinctive architecture and its association with both the East African slave trade and the campaign to end it. Those histories deserve more than a quick doorway photograph. They also sit beside present-day life: children walk to school, worshippers enter religious buildings, residents talk on stone benches known as baraza , and delivery carts squeeze through the lanes. For wider context before combining Zanzibar with the mainland, use our Tanzania Travel Guide . Plan at least one night in Stone Town; two allow an unhurried walk, a museum and an evening meal. Practical Plan: The Stone Town Walking Route This is a direction of travel rather than a rigid tour. Streets bend, names vary between maps and construction can alter access. Use the UNESCO map and heritage overview for orientation. Download an offline street map, but expect to ask people for directions. Begin in the morning, pause for lunch, then complete the waterfront section in late afternoon. A guide is not essential, but a knowledgeable licensed guide can clarify the history, architecture and etiquette. Agree on the route, duration and fee first. 1. Begin at Darajani Market Fruit and vegetable stalls outside Darajani Market, Stone Town’s principal marketplace and a busy introduction to everyday commerce in Zanzibar City. Photo: Erasmus Kamugisha/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Darajani sits on the eastern edge of the old city, making it a natural starting point. It shows how Stone Town is supplied: traders sell produce, spices, household goods, fish and meat. It can be congested, wet underfoot and intense in the morning. Carry small Tanzanian-shilling notes. Ask before taking a portrait and do not turn a working stall into a prolonged photo session. If someone declines, move on. Travellers uncomfortable around raw meat or fish can remain in the produce and outside sections. Darajani also marks the transition between Stone Town and the wider city. That relationship matters: UNESCO’s Urban Heritage Atlas explains how the historic core and Ng’ambo the “other side” developed as connected parts of Zanzibar City rather than isolated worlds. 2. Read the Slave-Trade History at Mkunazini Christ Church Anglican Cathedral at Mkunazini stands on the site associated with Zanzibar’s former open slave market, now preserved as a place of worship and historical remembrance. Photo: Brandon Daniel/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0. Walk south-west toward Mkunazini and Christ Church Anglican Cathedral. The cathedral stands at the site associated with Zanzibar’s last open slave market. UNESCO identifies it as one of Stone Town’s most important monuments and notes the town’s symbolic role in the suppression of the slave trade. Approach this as a place of memory, not a dramatic attraction. Give the subject time, avoid smiling souvenir-style photographs in memorial spaces and reject stories that present abolition as one outsider’s achievement. Enslaved Africans, local resistance, changing economies, missionaries, British pressure and Omani-Zanzibari politics all belong to the history. ADVERTISEMENT The cathedral remains a religious building. Cover shoulders and knees, keep voices low and do not assume visitor access during worship. The Anglican Diocese of Zanzibar visitor page is the appropriate official place to check, but posted arrangements can change; confirm the opening time and entry charge on the day. 3. Continue Through Hamamni and Jaws Corner From Mkunazini, continue into the denser lanes around Hamamni. The Hamamni Persian Baths were commissioned during the reign of Sultan Barghash in the nineteenth century and are a reminder that water, privacy and social status shaped elite urban life. The Zanzibar government’s historical-sites overview provides a useful official introduction to the baths and other monuments, though it should not be used as a source for current opening hours. Notice carved doors, balconies, courtyards, lime-plastered walls and shaded benches. The UNESCO atlas explains that Stone Town combines Swahili courtyard houses, Indian commercial fronts and seafront mansions. It describes the baraza a raised stone bench at a building edge as a space for conversation, rest and commerce. Jaws Corner is a well-known social junction, not a performance for visitors. Buy tea or coffee if available, leave room for residents and ask before photographing anyone recognisable. 4. Pass St Joseph’s Cathedral and Enter Shangani The twin spires of St Joseph’s Cathedral help with orientation even when the lanes hide the building at street level. It is an active Catholic church, so view it first as a place of worship. Never interrupt a service to inspect the interior, and follow any posted visitor instructions. Continue toward Shangani, where hotels, cafés and shops become more prominent. Travellers interested in popular-culture history can visit the Freddie Mercury Museum in the house promoted as his Zanzibar birthplace. The museum’s official visitor page currently lists daily opening from 9am to 8pm at Mercury House on Shangani Street. It publishes admission in US dollars, so confirm the current price and whether payment in Tanzanian shillings is accepted before entering. Treat the museum as optional. Freddie Mercury’s childhood is one strand of Zanzibar’s modern story, not a substitute for its longer histories of urbanism, trade, empire, slavery and independence. 5. Reach the Waterfront With a 2026 Restoration Warning The waterfront contains Stone Town’s most recognisable group of monuments: the Old Fort, House of Wonders, former sultan’s palace and Old Dispensary along or near Mizingani Road. Their exteriors help explain how political authority and maritime trade faced the harbour, but old guidebooks and web pages are unreliable about entry. The massive coral-stone walls of Zanzibar’s Old Fort on the Stone Town waterfront, photographed in May 2024. Visitors should confirm current access because restoration work can affect entry. Photo: Diego Delso, delso. photo/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. The House of Wonders suffered a partial collapse in 2020 and must not be described as an open museum. In April 2026, Xinhua reported from Stone Town that restoration was about 60% complete; the report also said work was under way at the Old Fort. Treat both as exterior stops unless local authorities confirm safe public access on the day. Fences, scaffolding or diverted paths should never be crossed for a photograph. If time remains, walk north toward the palace and Old Dispensary. Operating arrangements may change, so choose at most one interior after checking its entrance board. 6. Finish at Forodhani Gardens Forodhani Gardens beside Stone Town’s waterfront, photographed from the House of Wonders before the palace’s closure and restoration. Photo: Moongateclimber/Wikimedia Commons, public domain. Forodhani Gardens works best near sunset, when the waterfront cools and food stalls begin serving. It is a social space as much as a dining stop. Watch people jump into the water from the seawall, take a harbour walk and wait until the light softens rather than arriving only to buy food. ADVERTISEMENT Common offerings can include skewered meat, grilled seafood, flatbreads, sugarcane juice and the filled snack widely sold as “Zanzibar pizza.” Ask the total price before ordering, especially for seafood sold by piece or weight. Choose food cooked thoroughly in front of you, avoid items that have sat lukewarm for long periods and clean your hands before eating. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Tanzania guidance advises travellers to take care with food and water because standards vary. Forodhani is worth experiencing, but it is not the only place to eat Zanzibari food. A small restaurant serving a changing lunch plate may provide a better introduction to rice dishes, beans, vegetables and coconut-based sauces than a sequence of snacks. What Stone Town Food Reveals Zanzibari cooking reflects centuries of movement around the western Indian Ocean. Rice dishes such as pilau and biryani sit alongside chapati, cassava, plantain, coconut, beans, fish, tamarind, cloves and other spices. The point is not that every dish is unique to Zanzibar; it is that ingredients and techniques have been adapted through African, Arabian, South Asian and other connections. Food vendors and visitors gather at Forodhani’s evening market, where stalls serve grilled seafood, meat skewers, flatbreads and other popular Zanzibar street foods. Photo: Hussein Simba/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Ask what is available that day rather than demanding a fixed list. For breakfast, look for mandazi , chapati or local breads with tea. At lunch, rice with fish, beans or vegetables is often more representative of an everyday meal. Urojo , sometimes called Zanzibar mix, combines multiple textures and sauces in one bowl. Availability, recipes and spellings vary by cook and neighbourhood. UNESCO has worked with local partners on discussions about Stone Town’s potential candidacy for the Creative Cities Network in gastronomy. Its 2024 account of that process supports the importance of culinary knowledge to local heritage, but it does not mean Stone Town has already received the designation. When to Walk and What to Carry The cooler morning and late afternoon are the most comfortable times to walk. Conditions are generally drier from roughly June to October, while March to May usually brings the main rains. Short showers can occur outside those periods, and heat can make even a compact route tiring. Carry drinking water, sun protection and a light rain layer when the forecast is uncertain. During Ramadan, many residents fast during daylight hours and some businesses adjust their schedules. Avoid conspicuous eating, drinking or smoking beside people who are fasting, and check restaurant opening rather than assuming normal daytime service. Evening activity can become livelier after the fast is broken. Stone Town’s lanes are mostly pedestrian-scale, but scooters, bicycles, handcarts and delivery vehicles still pass through. Wear stable footwear: polished stone can be slippery, drains and thresholds are uneven, and heavy rain can produce puddles. Where to Stay and How to Arrive Stay inside the historic core if atmosphere and immediate walking access matter most. Choose the eastern edge near Darajani if you want easier road pickup and fewer minutes carrying luggage through alleys. Shangani and the waterfront suit travellers who prefer more hotels and restaurants nearby, though street activity and seafront venues can create noise. Ferries from Dar es Salaam arrive at the port on the north-western side of Stone Town. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is outside the historic core. A taxi can reach a road-accessible drop-off, but many hotels cannot be reached at their front door by car. Send the property your arrival details and ask for the exact meeting point before travelling. Our guide to getting around Tanzania explains mainland flights, ferries and local transport, while the Tanzania visa and entry requirements guide should be checked before departure. Accessibility, Safety and Respect Stone Town can be difficult for travellers with reduced mobility. Narrow lanes, uneven surfaces, high thresholds and stairs are common, and many heritage properties do not have lifts. “Ground floor” does not automatically mean step-free. Ask a hotel for doorway widths, bathroom access and the route from the nearest vehicle drop-off; request recent photographs rather than relying on a generic accessibility label. The town is busy, and many visits are trouble-free, but use ordinary city precautions. Keep phones and wallets low-key, carry only the cash needed for the day and avoid isolated lanes alone late at night. The current UK travel advice for Tanzania notes theft and bag-snatching risks in Stone Town and advises travellers to avoid walking alone at night. Advice varies by nationality, so also check your own government’s current notice. After a late meal, ask your hotel or restaurant to arrange a known taxi when the route back is unfamiliar. 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 Travel Guide Stone Town Travel Guide: History, Food and a Walking Route . Travel Guide Mafia Island Travel Guide: Diving, Whale Sharks and When to Go . African Culture Nyerere vs Ruaha: Choosing a Southern Tanzania Safari . African Culture Tanzania Visa and Entry Requirements: What Travellers Need . Travel Tips Getting Around Tanzania: Flights, Trains, Buses and Ferries . Dress in a way that respects Zanzibar’s predominantly Muslim social setting: cover shoulders and knees away from a hotel pool or beach, and carry a light layer for religious sites. Ask before photographing people, do not peer through residential doorways and step aside for funerals, worshippers and deliveries. Spending with resident guides, family-run restaurants, craftspeople and locally owned accommodation helps keep tourism connected to the community. That matters as authorities respond to concern about conversion of homes into tourism businesses and pressure on the living heritage of Stone Town, reported by The Citizen in February 2026 . How Stone Town Fits into a Tanzania Trip One night allows an evening at Forodhani and a morning walk. Two nights are better for the complete route, one museum, a long lunch and time to recover from a ferry or flight. Travellers continuing to a beach should avoid changing hotels every night; combine Stone Town with one coast base rather than treating the whole island as a chain of day trips. After a mainland safari, Stone Town provides historical and urban context that a beach resort cannot. Our 10-day Tanzania itinerary shows how Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar can fit together, but additional nights make the transition less rushed. The strongest Stone Town visit is not the one with the most entrances. It is the one that leaves enough time to understand the former slave-market site, notice how architecture responds to climate and commerce, eat with care, and recognise that the World Heritage property is still somebody’s neighbourhood. Frequently Asked Questions Is one day enough for Stone Town? One full day is enough for the walking route, one carefully chosen interior and an evening at Forodhani. Stay two nights if arriving late, departing early or wanting several museums without rushing. Do I need a guide? No. Offline navigation and this route are sufficient for an independent walk. A knowledgeable licensed guide is worthwhile for the slave-trade history, architecture and local context. Agree on duration, inclusions and price beforehand. Is the House of Wonders open in 2026? Do not plan on entering it. Restoration was reported at about 60% complete in April 2026. Treat it as an exterior view and obey barriers unless the responsible local authority confirms public reopening. What food should I try? Try pilau or biryani, fish, coconut-based dishes, urojo , chapati and mandazi , depending on what is freshly available. At Forodhani, confirm prices and select food cooked thoroughly in front of you. Is Stone Town safe to walk at night? Busy central areas can remain active in the evening, but theft and bag-snatching occur. Avoid empty lanes alone, keep valuables discreet and use a known taxi after a late meal if you do not know the route. What should I wear? Light, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees is practical and respectful in public streets and religious areas. Carry sun protection and stable shoes; beachwear belongs at the beach or hotel pool. Sources and Further Reading UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Stone Town of Zanzibar UNESCO Urban Heritage Atlas: Stone Town Zanzibar government: Historical Sites Xinhua: 2026 restoration update for Stone Town monuments Freddie Mercury Museum: Plan Your Visit CDC: Tanzania traveller health guidance UK government: Tanzania safety and security UNESCO: Stone Town and gastronomy heritage The Citizen: Protecting Stone Town’s living heritage ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Travel Guide Stone Town Travel Guide: History, Food and a Walking Route Stone Town occupies the western side of Unguja, the main island in the Zanzibar archipelago . Travel Guide Mafia Island Travel Guide: Diving, Whale Sharks and When to Go Plan Mafia Island by coast and season, with diving, whale sharks, transport, fees and places to stay. . African Culture Nyerere vs Ruaha: Choosing a Southern Tanzania Safari Compare wildlife, activities, access and costs before choosing Tanzania’s southern safari park. . African Culture Tanzania Visa and Entry Requirements: What Travellers Need Check visa eligibility, passport rules, health documents and Zanzibar insurance before travel. . Tags Visit Tanzania Visit Tanzania Tanzania Tanzania Visiting Tanzania Visiting Tanzania

Kendall Jenner was spotted in a luxury box as Bad Bunny headlined the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show in Santa Clara, California. Kendall Jenner attended Super Bowl 2026 on Sunday as her former partner, global music star Bad Bunny, headlined the halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The model and reality television star watched the performance from a luxury suite alongside several high-profile guests. Fan-recorded videos circulating on social media showed Jenner briefly moving to the music during Bad Bunny’s set before turning to speak with her companion, Hailey Bieber. Bad Bunny , 31, delivered a record-setting halftime performance that was largely conducted in Spanish. The show also featured surprise appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, drawing widespread attention both inside the stadium and online. The evening concluded on a disappointing note for Jenner after the New England Patriots, whom she had publicly supported, lost 29–13 to the Seattle Seahawks. Jenner later shared a video montage on her Instagram Stories capturing her reactions throughout the game. Jenner and Bad Bunny briefly dated in 2023 before ending their relationship later that year. Sources at the time cited demanding schedules and mutual commitments as factors in their separation. Super Bowl 2026 marked one of the most watched halftime performances in recent years, with Bad Bunny’s appearance reinforcing his global influence across music and entertainment. Source Geo News Digital Desk Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Kendall Jenner Watches Bad Bunny Perform at Super Bowl 2026 By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Feb 9, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Kendall Jenner attended Super Bowl 2026 on Sunday as her former partner, global music star Bad Bunny, headlined the halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The model and reality television star watched the performance from a luxury suite alongside several high-profile guests. Fan-recorded videos circulating on social media showed Jenner briefly moving to the music during Bad Bunny’s set before turning to speak with her companion, Hailey Bieber. ADVERTISEMENT Bad Bunny , 31, delivered a record-setting halftime performance that was largely conducted in Spanish. The show also featured surprise appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, drawing widespread attention both inside the stadium and online. The evening concluded on a disappointing note for Jenner after the New England Patriots, whom she had publicly supported, lost 29–13 to the Seattle Seahawks. Jenner later shared a video montage on her Instagram Stories capturing her reactions throughout the game. ADVERTISEMENT Jenner and Bad Bunny briefly dated in 2023 before ending their relationship later that year. Sources at the time cited demanding schedules and mutual commitments as factors in their separation. Super Bowl 2026 marked one of the most watched halftime performances in recent years, with Bad Bunny’s appearance reinforcing his global influence across music and entertainment. 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 . Source Geo News Digital Desk 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

Nairobi, Kenya - In a move to bolster cybersecurity, the Kenyan government is contemplating restrictions on the use of TikTok by government officials, citing concerns over sensitive data protection and national security. Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, revealed to parliament that the National Security Council (NSC) is rigorously assessing the potential threats posed by social media platforms, with a spotlight on TikTok. Amid rising debates on digital privacy, Kindiki emphasized the collaborative efforts of the National Police Service (NPS), National Intelligence Service (NIS), Ministry of Defence, and the ICT sector in securing Kenya's cyberspace from both internal and external threats. The NSC's ongoing deliberation aims to determine the necessity of a TikTok ban for public officials to safeguard critical data. The dialogue around TikTok's usage by individuals with access to crucial government information was sparked by Kuria East MP Marwa Gitayama during a Public Petitions committee session. Notably, countries like China and the United States have already implemented restrictions on TikTok among public servants, raising questions about Kenya's stance on the matter. This discourse aligns with a broader petition advocating for TikTok's operational shutdown in Kenya, driven by concerns over the platform's dissemination of explicit content and its implications on youth, cultural, and religious values. The government's proactive engagement with TikTok and ongoing stakeholder consultations signal an imminent policy shift, underscoring the intricate balance between digital innovation and national security . Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 24, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Nairobi, Kenya - In a move to bolster cybersecurity, the Kenyan government is contemplating restrictions on the use of TikTok by government officials, citing concerns over sensitive data protection and national security. Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, revealed to parliament that the National Security Council (NSC) is rigorously assessing the potential threats posed by social media platforms, with a spotlight on TikTok. Amid rising debates on digital privacy, Kindiki emphasized the collaborative efforts of the National Police Service (NPS), National Intelligence Service (NIS), Ministry of Defence, and the ICT sector in securing Kenya's cyberspace from both internal and external threats. The NSC's ongoing deliberation aims to determine the necessity of a TikTok ban for public officials to safeguard critical data. ADVERTISEMENT The dialogue around TikTok's usage by individuals with access to crucial government information was sparked by Kuria East MP Marwa Gitayama during a Public Petitions committee session. Notably, countries like China and the United States have already implemented restrictions on TikTok among public servants, raising questions about Kenya's stance on the matter. This discourse aligns with a broader petition advocating for TikTok's operational shutdown in Kenya, driven by concerns over the platform's dissemination of explicit content and its implications on youth, cultural, and religious values. The government's proactive engagement with TikTok and ongoing stakeholder consultations signal an imminent policy shift, underscoring the intricate balance between digital innovation and national security . 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

Rwandan immigration officers welcomed 113 refugees and migrants from Libya on Thursday, June 13. The new arrivals, hailing from South Sudan, Eritrea, Sudan, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, and Somalia, are the 18th group of migrants deported from the North African country under the emergency transit mechanism established by the Rwandan government and the United Nations refugee agency in 2019. This initiative aims to support African migrants stranded in Libyan detention facilities. Since its inception, Rwanda has received over 2,300 migrants and asylum seekers. The Rwandan Ministry of Emergency Management reaffirmed the country's commitment to addressing the global migration crisis and providing assistance to those in need. Through this mechanism, asylum claims of migrants are processed in Rwanda, with more than 1,600 individuals resettled in third countries. Rwanda hosts over 130,000 refugees, primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Jun 15, 2024 May 15, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Rwandan immigration officers welcomed 113 refugees and migrants from Libya on Thursday, June 13. The new arrivals, hailing from South Sudan, Eritrea, Sudan, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, and Somalia, are the 18th group of migrants deported from the North African country under the emergency transit mechanism established by the Rwandan government and the United Nations refugee agency in 2019. This initiative aims to support African migrants stranded in Libyan detention facilities. Since its inception, Rwanda has received over 2,300 migrants and asylum seekers. ADVERTISEMENT The Rwandan Ministry of Emergency Management reaffirmed the country's commitment to addressing the global migration crisis and providing assistance to those in need. Through this mechanism, asylum claims of migrants are processed in Rwanda, with more than 1,600 individuals resettled in third countries. Rwanda hosts over 130,000 refugees, primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi 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

Abigail Chams biography: discover her age, family roots, instruments, Sony Music career, songs, youth advocacy and historic BET nomination. Abigail Chams is a Tanzanian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose pop career joins Bongo Flava and Afro-R&B with the discipline of a trained live musician. Born Abigail Chamungwana, she can move from piano and violin to guitar, drums and flute, then sing in Kiswahili, English or French. Her early gospel recordings and online covers introduced the talent; Sony Music Africa gave it a wider platform in 2022. The 5 EP, “Nani?” with Marioo and “Me Too” with Harmonize expanded her East African audience, while a 2025 BET nomination placed her before a global one. On X , she also presents the advocacy work that has grown beside the music rather than behind it. Who is Abigail Chams? Abigail Chams is Tanzanian singer Abigail Chamungwana, a pianist, violinist, guitarist, drummer and flautist whose Afro-R&B and Bongo Flava catalogue includes “Nani?”, “Milele,” “Muhibu,” “Me Too” and “Your Loss.” She is a Sony Music Africa artist, UNICEF Youth Advocate and 2025 BET Best New International Act nominee. Tanzanian Heritage and Identity Through Five Instruments Abigail Chams’ musicianship began with instruments, not a vocal booth. Piano gave her the first language of melody; violin added discipline and pitch; guitar, drums and flute widened her understanding of arrangement and performance. Her records can therefore be polished pop while still sounding shaped by a working musician. Her sound is equally broad. Rolling Stone Africa’s 2025 cover profile described Afro-R&B coloured by Tanzanian influences including taarab, Bongo Flava and occasional amapiano. Abigail framed the choice as an artistic principle: “It’s more important to me to create music that has substance than to conform to trends.” That sentence gives the best route into her catalogue. “Nani?” is melodic East African pop; “Milele” carries romantic patience; “Me Too” is a Bongo Flava duet; and “Your Loss” turns toward dancehall and Afrobeats confidence. Together they test how far a classically trained ear can travel inside contemporary African pop. XTRAfrica’s verified Abigail Chams songs page currently centres “Me Too.” Its leading-hyphen address is the live Wix catalogue route and should be preserved exactly when editors connect the Artist Profile button. A Grandfather’s Piano and a Childhood Built Around Music Continue Reading Full Article AFRICAN CULTURE Abigail Chams Biography: Age, Family, Songs & BET Rise By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Aug 4, 2026 Aug 4, 2026 12 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Abigail Chams is a Tanzanian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose pop career joins Bongo Flava and Afro-R&B with the discipline of a trained live musician. Born Abigail Chamungwana, she can move from piano and violin to guitar, drums and flute, then sing in Kiswahili, English or French. Her early gospel recordings and online covers introduced the talent; Sony Music Africa gave it a wider platform in 2022. The 5 EP, “Nani?” with Marioo and “Me Too” with Harmonize expanded her East African audience, while a 2025 BET nomination placed her before a global one. On X , she also presents the advocacy work that has grown beside the music rather than behind it. Who is Abigail Chams? Abigail Chams is Tanzanian singer Abigail Chamungwana, a pianist, violinist, guitarist, drummer and flautist whose Afro-R&B and Bongo Flava catalogue includes “Nani?”, “Milele,” “Muhibu,” “Me Too” and “Your Loss.” She is a Sony Music Africa artist, UNICEF Youth Advocate and 2025 BET Best New International Act nominee. Tanzanian Heritage and Identity Through Five Instruments Abigail Chams’ musicianship began with instruments, not a vocal booth. Piano gave her the first language of melody; violin added discipline and pitch; guitar, drums and flute widened her understanding of arrangement and performance. Her records can therefore be polished pop while still sounding shaped by a working musician. Her sound is equally broad. Rolling Stone Africa’s 2025 cover profile described Afro-R&B coloured by Tanzanian influences including taarab, Bongo Flava and occasional amapiano. Abigail framed the choice as an artistic principle: “It’s more important to me to create music that has substance than to conform to trends.” That sentence gives the best route into her catalogue. “Nani?” is melodic East African pop; “Milele” carries romantic patience; “Me Too” is a Bongo Flava duet; and “Your Loss” turns toward dancehall and Afrobeats confidence. Together they test how far a classically trained ear can travel inside contemporary African pop. XTRAfrica’s verified Abigail Chams songs page currently centres “Me Too.” Its leading-hyphen address is the live Wix catalogue route and should be preserved exactly when editors connect the Artist Profile button. A Grandfather’s Piano and a Childhood Built Around Music Abigail’s full public name is commonly given as Abigail Anthony Chamungwana, although the strongest early interview identifies her simply as Abigail Chamungwana. The widely reported birth date is 7 May 2003. That is consistent with The Citizen reporting in July 2020 that she had recently turned 17, making her 23 on 5 August 2026. A precise Tanzanian birthplace has not been established by a strong primary record, so claims that narrow it to a particular region should be treated cautiously. The most important verified family influence was her late grandfather, a musician and orchestra conductor who began teaching her piano when she was five. By nine, she could play piano, violin and guitar. In her 2020 interview with The Citizen , she remembered music as something that filled the house long before it became employment: “I have been singing my whole life for as long as I can remember.” Her parents’ names are not established in dependable original reporting, but Abigail has described a Christian household in which singing at church shaped her first public identity. She originally wanted to refresh gospel music for young listeners, pairing messages of faith with Afropop energy. By 2020 she had written and released several independent songs, including “Zero to 100,” and was teaching a small group of children piano, guitar and violin. ADVERTISEMENT She also posted covers for friends and family. Beyoncé’s repost of her “Brown Skin Girl” cover became an early sign that a voice developed in church and music lessons could reach far beyond its first audience. Sony Music, “Closer” and the Breakthrough Road to 5 The career changed scale in June 2022 when Sony Music Entertainment Africa signed Abigail. Music In Africa’s announcement presented her as a singer who already played five instruments and had collaborated across East Africa. She called the deal a result of faith and hard work; Sony Music East Africa described it as the beginning of the “Abigail experience.” “Closer,” featuring Harmonize, became her first Sony-era single. It did more than attach a famous name to a newcomer: the duet placed her voice directly inside Tanzania’s commercial Bongo Flava conversation. Her later reunion with Harmonize, whose own career grew from Bongo Flava to continental reach , would prove even larger. In 2023, “Nani?” with Marioo supplied a sharper breakthrough. Its romantic tension and clean pop structure led into 5 , released on 29 September. The six-track EP brought together “Nani?”, “Milele,” “Falling in Love,” “Bata,” “Chapati” and “Corazon,” with collaborators including Marioo, Rayvanny, Whozu and Chino Kidd. Apple Music’s official release record confirms the date, track count and Sony copyright. The title represented five anchors: faith, family, music, her personal journey and excellence. A week after release, The Citizen reported that 5 ranked third among Audiomack Africa’s five most-streamed new African albums for that week an encouraging opening, not a permanent chart position. “Me Too,” BET Recognition and a Wider Stage “Me Too” with Harmonize became the record that joined Abigail’s romantic pop strengths to her largest visual audience. The duet revived a partnership begun with “Closer,” but with a more mature exchange between two voices resisting outside judgement. XTRAfrica’s song analysis of “Me Too” places it within Afro-R&B and Bongo Flava, while its success also connected Abigail to a Tanzanian field shaped by artists such as Diamond Platnumz and Zuchu . The international recognition followed. In May 2025, Abigail received a BET nomination for Best New International Act. It made her the first female artist from East Africa nominated in that category and turned a young Tanzanian career into a regional milestone. She did not win: BET’s official 2025 results record South Africa’s TXC and Brazil’s Ajuliacosta in the published outcome. The distinction matters because a historic nomination should not be inflated into an award victory. Rolling Stone Africa also selected Abigail among its 2025 Future of Music cover artists. The cover and BET nomination recognised more than one hit: a multilingual, instrumentally trained woman carrying Tanzanian pop into wider collaboration. Selected achievements include: Signing with Sony Music Entertainment Africa in 2022. Releasing the six-track 5 EP in 2023. Serving as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa ambassador for December 2023. Becoming the first East African female artist nominated for BET Best New International Act in 2025. Appearing as a Rolling Stone Africa Future of Music cover artist in 2025. Building “Me Too” into her biggest release by reach before the 2026 single “Your Loss.” ADVERTISEMENT Personal Journey Behind the Public Voice Abigail’s public work has never been limited to releases. As a teenager, she created conversations for young people around cyberbullying, self-esteem, body image and emotional pressure. That work developed into The Talk With Abigail Chams, a youth programme intended to make mental-health conversations safer and less shameful. Emerging Impact Through Youth Advocacy At Expo 2020 Dubai, UNICEF identified Abigail Chamungwana as a vocalist, instrumentalist and Youth Advocate in its World Children’s Day programme, joining performance and service on one international stage. Abigail later told Rolling Stone Africa that she had struggled with anxiety. She connected the experience to practical advocacy: young people need language, trusted spaces and permission to ask for help. Her emerging impact cannot be judged through streams alone. No dependable original source confirms a husband, partner or children. Public speculation around collaborators does not establish a relationship, and it adds nothing necessary to an evidence-led account of her career. Abigail Chams Career Timeline Year Event Significance 2020 Profiled as an independent teenage gospel singer and multi-instrumentalist Documented an existing catalogue, online following, youth talks and music teaching before a major-label deal. 2021 Performed and served as a UNICEF Youth Advocate at Expo 2020 Dubai Joined her musical work to international youth advocacy. 2022 Signed with Sony Music Entertainment Africa and released “Closer” Moved from independent visibility into a major-label East African career. 2023 Released “Nani?” and the 5 EP Established her Afro-R&B and Bongo Flava identity through a coherent six-track project. 2023 Named Spotify EQUAL Africa ambassador for December Added platform recognition for a rising Tanzanian female voice. 2025 Released “Me Too” and earned a BET nomination Produced her widest-reaching collaboration and a historic East African female nomination. 2025 Chosen for Rolling Stone Africa’s Future of Music cover Recognised her musicianship, cultural grounding and crossover potential. 2026 Released “Your Loss” and announced a Visa partnership Opened a more assertive pop chapter while expanding her profile beyond music. What Comes Next After “Your Loss” Abigail opened 2026 with “Your Loss,” released on 9 January. Music In Africa’s release report described its blend of dancehall rhythm and Afrobeats pop, and recorded her explanation of its emotional centre: “‘Your Loss’ is about choosing yourself, knowing your worth, and walking away without guilt.” The record replaces the patient romance of 5 with post-breakup command. It also arrived with a Visa partnership, evidence that the BET-era visibility was translating into commercial opportunities. Her Apple Music catalogue lists it as her latest release as of August 2026, while Spotify displayed approximately 166,000 monthly listeners on 5 August 2026. No studio album has been announced through a dependable source. Her next challenge is to turn five instruments, three languages, advocacy and cross-genre singles into a sustained long-form statement. The catalogue she builds after international recognition will decide the scale and durability of her influence. Abigail Chams FAQs What is Abigail Chams’ real name? Her publicly documented name is Abigail Chamungwana. Some later profiles include the middle name Anthony, but her strongest early interview and UNICEF record use Abigail Chamungwana. How old is Abigail Chams? She is 23 as of 5 August 2026, based on the widely reported birth date of 7 May 2003. A July 2020 interview also reported that she had recently turned 17. 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 Jobs and Employment Kyerwa District Opens 8 Government Jobs — Form IV Eligible . Political Parties Tanzania Parliament Approves Ndejembi for Vice President . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply . Biography Who Is Deogratius Ndejembi? Tanzania VP Nominee . Travel Guide Stone Town Travel Guide: History, Food and a Walking Route . Where is Abigail Chams from? She is Tanzanian and is professionally based in Dar es Salaam. A precise birthplace is not confirmed strongly enough for publication as fact. Who are Abigail Chams’ parents? Their names have not been established by dependable original reporting. She has described growing up in a Christian home, and her late grandfather an orchestra conductor was her first piano teacher. Which instruments does Abigail Chams play? She plays piano, violin, guitar, drums and flute. Piano was her first instrument, and she began learning it at five. What was Abigail Chams’ breakthrough song? “Nani?” featuring Marioo became an important 2023 breakthrough and led into the 5 EP. “Me Too” with Harmonize later produced her widest international reach. Has Abigail Chams released an album? She has not released a verified studio album. Her main project is the six-track 5 EP, released in September 2023. Was Abigail Chams nominated for a BET Award? Yes. She was nominated for Best New International Act in 2025, becoming the first East African female artist nominated in that category. She did not win. What are Abigail Chams’ biggest songs? Her key releases include “Nani?”, “Milele,” “Closer,” “Muhibu,” “Me Too,” “Hold Me,” “Lala” and “Your Loss.” Is Abigail Chams married? No dependable original source confirms that she is married. Rumours involving collaborators should not be treated as evidence. What does Abigail Chams do outside music? She is a UNICEF Youth Advocate and leads youth conversations through The Talk With Abigail Chams, focusing especially on mental health, self-esteem and safe discussion. What is Abigail Chams’ latest song? “Your Loss,” released on 9 January 2026, was her latest listed release as of 5 August 2026. ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Jobs and Employment Kyerwa District Opens 8 Government Jobs — Form IV Eligible Kyerwa District Council has 8 Tanzania government jobs for secretaries and drivers. See qualifications, . Political Parties Tanzania Parliament Approves Ndejembi for Vice President All 324 lawmakers who voted backed Deogratius Ndejembi after President Samia nominated him. . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply Up to 120 EAC Master’s scholarships are open to nationals of eight East African countries, . Biography Who Is Deogratius Ndejembi? Tanzania VP Nominee The energy minister and Chamwino MP nominated to become Tanzania’s next vice president . Tags Tanzania Tanzania Abigail Chams Abigail Chams

Bayern Munich drops its Visit Rwanda sponsorship amid human-rights backlash over Rwanda’s support for M23 rebels in Congo, shifting focus to youth development. Bayern Munich announced that it will no longer promote the Rwandan government’s “Visit Rwanda” tourism brand. The Bundesliga giants said their agreement with the Rwanda Development Board will be transformed from a commercial sponsorship into a partnership focused on youth football development through the FC Bayern Academy in Kigali. The decision came after months of criticism from human rights watch and Congolese officials who denounced the deal as “blood-stained” because Rwanda has allegedly bankrolled the M23 rebellion in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Bayern explained that the contract, which runs until 2028, will now focus on developing players rather than promoting Rwandan tourism. For people in the DRC, where millions have been displaced and thousands killed by Rwanda-backed rebels, the announcement felt like a rare diplomatic victory. Congolese activists and diaspora groups hailed the shift as proof that persistent campaigning can pierce the veneer of sports marketing and expose atrocities occurring in the mineral-rich region. Background: Rwanda’s Sportswashing Campaign and the M23 Insurgency Rwanda has spent millions of dollars to plaster its “Visit Rwanda” logo on the sleeves and hoardings of European clubs like Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Bayern Munich. Bayern signed its five-year agreement in 2023 after ditching a controversial partnership with Qatar. The deal included pitch-side advertising and promotional events designed to “promote tourism and investment opportunities in Rwanda”. While Kigali portrayed the sponsorships as harmless marketing, human rights organizations say they are classic sportswashing. A UN Group of Experts has accused Rwanda’s army of providing direct military support to the March 23 (M23) rebels, helping them capture swathes of North Kivu province. Human Rights Watch reports that Rwanda-backed M23 fighters have committed unlawful killings, rape , and other apparent war crimes since late 2022, with attacks on populated areas killing civilians and exacerbating a humanitarian crisis. The same report notes that Rwandan troops are deployed in eastern Congo to support the M23 and urges the UN Security Council to sanction both M23 leaders and the Rwandan officials aiding them. In February 2025, Congo’s foreign minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner wrote an open letter to Bayern, Arsenal, and PSG. She called their sponsorship deals “ blood-stained” and warned that they were being funded by the illicit mining of Congolese minerals transported through Rwanda. Wagner argued that Rwanda’s culpability for the conflict had become “incontrovertible” and urged the clubs to end the partnerships “for the victims of Rwandan aggression”. Even Western governments have acknowledged Rwanda’s role. Reuters reported that Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized key towns in eastern Congo, prompting the United States to impose sanctions on a Rwandan minister “central” to the support of M23. UN officials warn that the fighting has included summary executions, bombing of displacement camps, and gang rape. Human rights campaigners such as journalist Michela Wrong describe Rwanda’s sponsorship strategy as an attempt to “sanitize” the regime’s image even while its forces create chaos across the border. Activist Role: Banners, Petitions, and a £10 Million Crowdfund Public pressure played a pivotal role in Bayern’s volte-face. In February, Bayern supporters unfurled a banner during a match reading “Visit Rwanda, whoever looks on with indifference is betraying the values of FC Bayern!”. That same month, the Congolese diaspora and human rights groups launched petitions and protests under the hashtag #DontVisitRwanda Continue Reading Full Article SPORTS Bayern Munich Ends ‘Visit Rwanda’ Deal After Human Rights Abuse in DRC By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Aug 9, 2025 May 15, 2026 7 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Bayern Munich announced that it will no longer promote the Rwandan government’s “Visit Rwanda” tourism brand. The Bundesliga giants said their agreement with the Rwanda Development Board will be transformed from a commercial sponsorship into a partnership focused on youth football development through the FC Bayern Academy in Kigali. The decision came after months of criticism from human rights watch and Congolese officials who denounced the deal as “blood-stained” because Rwanda has allegedly bankrolled the M23 rebellion in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Bayern explained that the contract, which runs until 2028, will now focus on developing players rather than promoting Rwandan tourism. For people in the DRC, where millions have been displaced and thousands killed by Rwanda-backed rebels, the announcement felt like a rare diplomatic victory. Congolese activists and diaspora groups hailed the shift as proof that persistent campaigning can pierce the veneer of sports marketing and expose atrocities occurring in the mineral-rich region. Background: Rwanda’s Sportswashing Campaign and the M23 Insurgency Rwanda has spent millions of dollars to plaster its “Visit Rwanda” logo on the sleeves and hoardings of European clubs like Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Bayern Munich. Bayern signed its five-year agreement in 2023 after ditching a controversial partnership with Qatar. The deal included pitch-side advertising and promotional events designed to “promote tourism and investment opportunities in Rwanda”. While Kigali portrayed the sponsorships as harmless marketing, human rights organizations say they are classic sportswashing. A UN Group of Experts has accused Rwanda’s army of providing direct military support to the March 23 (M23) rebels, helping them capture swathes of North Kivu province. Human Rights Watch reports that Rwanda-backed M23 fighters have committed unlawful killings, rape , and other apparent war crimes since late 2022, with attacks on populated areas killing civilians and exacerbating a humanitarian crisis. The same report notes that Rwandan troops are deployed in eastern Congo to support the M23 and urges the UN Security Council to sanction both M23 leaders and the Rwandan officials aiding them. ADVERTISEMENT In February 2025, Congo’s foreign minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner wrote an open letter to Bayern, Arsenal, and PSG. She called their sponsorship deals “ blood-stained” and warned that they were being funded by the illicit mining of Congolese minerals transported through Rwanda. Wagner argued that Rwanda’s culpability for the conflict had become “incontrovertible” and urged the clubs to end the partnerships “for the victims of Rwandan aggression”. Even Western governments have acknowledged Rwanda’s role. Reuters reported that Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized key towns in eastern Congo, prompting the United States to impose sanctions on a Rwandan minister “central” to the support of M23. UN officials warn that the fighting has included summary executions, bombing of displacement camps, and gang rape. Human rights campaigners such as journalist Michela Wrong describe Rwanda’s sponsorship strategy as an attempt to “sanitize” the regime’s image even while its forces create chaos across the border. Activist Role: Banners, Petitions, and a £10 Million Crowdfund Public pressure played a pivotal role in Bayern’s volte-face. In February, Bayern supporters unfurled a banner during a match reading “Visit Rwanda, whoever looks on with indifference is betraying the values of FC Bayern!”. That same month, the Congolese diaspora and human rights groups launched petitions and protests under the hashtag #DontVisitRwanda A petition on Change.org denounced the sponsorships as funding war and exploitation, accusing President Paul Kagame of supporting armed groups like M23 that are responsible for massacres and the looting of Congo’s mineral wealth. The petition argued that UN reports and human rights organizations have provided overwhelming evidence of Rwanda’s role, yet corporations continue to profit from tourism and sponsorships. Arsenal fans likewise mobilized. In March 2025, they launched an ambitious £10 million crowdfunder to persuade the club to end its sleeve sponsorship with Visit Rwanda. Organizers said Arsenal should not accept money from a regime accused by the United Nations, G7, and UK government of fuelling conflict in the DRC. ADVERTISEMENT According to the UN refugee agency, over seven million Congolese have been displaced by fighting involving Rwanda-backed militia. Chris Reed, one of the campaigners, argued that fans “should not have to choose between revenue and ethics” and that the crowdfund aimed to raise enough money to allow the club to walk away from the controversial deal. Within Germany, the issue resonated beyond the fan base. The German press questioned the moral compatibility of Bayern’s values with Kigali’s actions, drawing parallels to the club’s previously controversial partnership with Qatar. The sustained scrutiny pressured club executives to reevaluate the deal. Political Context: Kinshasa’s Fight Against Rwanda’s Aggression President Félix Tshisekedi has made confronting Rwandan incursions a cornerstone of his diplomacy. The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of exploiting Congo’s mineral wealth and fomenting instability through proxies like the M23. Wagner’s letter to European clubs formed part of a broader strategy to isolate Rwanda diplomatically and economically. Rwanda, however, has dismissed the criticism. In February, the Rwanda Development Board claimed that Congo’s attempts to undermine international partnerships were “misinformation” and a threat to regional peace. Kigali argues it is acting in self-defense and accuses Congo of collaborating with Hutu militias responsible for the 1994 genocide. The DRC’s position has found sympathetic ears. France and the United Kingdom have both called for Rwanda to withdraw its forces from Congo, and Germany is reconsidering aid to Kigali. The U.S. has imposed sanctions, and the United Nations continues to document evidence of Rwandan support for the M23. In this environment, Bayern’s decision appears as a tacit acknowledgment of the mounting diplomatic and moral pressure on Rwanda. Symbolic Impact: More Than a Sponsorship While the financial impact of the cancelled advertising is modest, about €5 million a year, the symbolic effect is profound. For years, Rwanda has sought to project an image of stability and opportunity through high-profile sports deals. Bayern’s withdrawal punctures that narrative. It sends a message that human rights matter more than branding, and that European clubs cannot ignore allegations of complicity in war crimes. 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 . Bayern CEO Jan Christian Dreesen said that in discussions with the Rwanda Development Board, both sides agreed that the most meaningful part of their relationship was the developmental work of the FC Bayern Academy in Kigali. Rwanda Development Board chief Jean Guy Afrika echoed this, noting that the continued partnership would still contribute to Rwanda’s vision of becoming a hub for tourism and high-performance sport. Critics counter that Rwanda should invest in peace rather than public relations. For Congolese activists, the episode proves that sustained advocacy works. The success of Bayern fans, Congolese diaspora petitions, and the £10 million Arsenal crowdfunder demonstrates that fans and citizens can pressure billion-euro institutions to choose ethics over revenue. It also shines a spotlight on millions of Congolese displaced by M23 violence and on survivors of massacres and rape whose stories often go unheard. Conclusion Bayern Munich’s decision to scrap the commercial element of its Visit Rwanda partnership is a moral triumph for the Democratic Republic of Congo and all who fight for justice. It underscores that sportswashing cannot erase the bloodshed of eastern Congo or excuse those who profit from it. The move should serve as a wake-up call to Arsenal, PSG, Atlético Madrid, and other institutions still lending their platforms to Rwanda. By refusing to sell their reputations to governments implicated in atrocities, clubs can affirm the universality of human rights and support the Congolese people’s quest for peace. 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 . Tags DRC Politics DRC Politics Rwanda Rwanda Sport Sport DR.Congo DR.Congo

Learn how Suri marriage works culturally, from donga stick-dueling and a girl’s choice to clan rules, bridewealth, and family talks. Among the Suri of southwest Ethiopia , marriage is not a simple story of a boy fighting another boy and “winning” a wife. That version is popular online because it sounds dramatic. The real cultural process is more human, more social, and more layered. A Suri boy becomes visible as a possible husband through age, courage, public performance, family reputation, and the support of his kin. Stick-dueling, often called donga, can play an important role because it gives young men a public stage. But marriage itself depends on something deeper: clan rules, the girl’s preference, long family negotiation, and bridewealth. The strongest available evidence comes from anthropologist Jon Abbink’s work on the Suri, including his Encyclopedia of World Cultures entry on the Suri, and from modern context in Ethiopia’s Surma Woreda Disaster Risk Profile . Together, they show that Suri marriage is not a private romance alone. It is a public alliance between families. Who Are the Suri? The Suri are an agro-pastoral people of southwest Ethiopia, historically associated with the Chai, Tirma, and Bale groups. Abbink describes them as “agro-pastoralists/cultivators,” a phrase that matters because cattle, farming, and kinship all shape marriage. The suri cattle keeping Cattle are not just animals in this setting. They are wealth, social standing, family security, and a major part of bridewealth. In modern Surma woreda, Ethiopia’s National Disaster Risk Management Commission records “livestock rearing” as a major livelihood category ( NDRMC, 2020, p. 95 pdf ). That helps explain why marriage cannot be separated from cattle, land, water, and family survival. Suri society is also shaped by clan identity. Abbink records that Suri people belong to a unit called keno, often translated as a clan or branch. Marriage is expected to happen outside this clan line. In Abbink’s words, Suri marriages are possible “across keno (clan) lines only.” That rule is one of the first answers to the question: how does a Suri boy get a wife? He does not simply choose anyone. The match must fit the social rules of kinship. Continue Reading Full Article AFRICAN CULTURE How a Suri Boy Gets a Wife Culturally By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Jul 5, 2026 Jul 5, 2026 12 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Among the Suri of southwest Ethiopia , marriage is not a simple story of a boy fighting another boy and “winning” a wife. That version is popular online because it sounds dramatic. The real cultural process is more human, more social, and more layered. A Suri boy becomes visible as a possible husband through age, courage, public performance, family reputation, and the support of his kin. Stick-dueling, often called donga, can play an important role because it gives young men a public stage. But marriage itself depends on something deeper: clan rules, the girl’s preference, long family negotiation, and bridewealth. The strongest available evidence comes from anthropologist Jon Abbink’s work on the Suri, including his Encyclopedia of World Cultures entry on the Suri, and from modern context in Ethiopia’s Surma Woreda Disaster Risk Profile . Together, they show that Suri marriage is not a private romance alone. It is a public alliance between families. Who Are the Suri? The Suri are an agro-pastoral people of southwest Ethiopia, historically associated with the Chai, Tirma, and Bale groups. Abbink describes them as “agro-pastoralists/cultivators,” a phrase that matters because cattle, farming, and kinship all shape marriage. The suri cattle keeping Cattle are not just animals in this setting. They are wealth, social standing, family security, and a major part of bridewealth. In modern Surma woreda, Ethiopia’s National Disaster Risk Management Commission records “livestock rearing” as a major livelihood category ( NDRMC, 2020, p. 95 pdf ). That helps explain why marriage cannot be separated from cattle, land, water, and family survival. Suri society is also shaped by clan identity. Abbink records that Suri people belong to a unit called keno, often translated as a clan or branch. Marriage is expected to happen outside this clan line. In Abbink’s words, Suri marriages are possible “across keno (clan) lines only.” That rule is one of the first answers to the question: how does a Suri boy get a wife? He does not simply choose anyone. The match must fit the social rules of kinship. The Role of Donga Stick-Dueling The most famous part of Suri courtship is stick-dueling. These contests are often described as if they are marriage tournaments, where the winner receives a wife. That is too simple. According to Abbink’s account, marriages are usually arranged after the rainy-season dueling contests. ADVERTISEMENT At this time, girls watch the contests and may notice a young man whose courage, strength, or appearance appeals to them. A boy’s performance can make him admired. It can make people talk about him. It can make a girl interested. But the fight itself does not complete the marriage. A Suri boy who performs well in dueling may become more attractive as a potential husband because public courage matters. Donga gives young men a way to show discipline, bravery, and readiness before the community. It is not only about violence. It is also about reputation. Anthropologist Debra Martin, writing more generally about violence and masculinity in small-scale societies, notes that public male performance can shape identity and status. In Suri life, donga should be understood in that wider cultural frame: a public test of young masculinity, not a legal wedding ceremony. The Girl’s Choice Matters One of the most important details in Abbink’s account is that the girl’s choice is not absent. He writes that after dueling contests, a girl who has watched and chosen a favored duelist may approach him indirectly through friends and relatives. The suri marriage ready girls Abbink says one decisive factor is the “preference of the girl.” That short phrase changes the whole story. This does not mean Suri marriage is purely individual romantic choice in the modern urban sense. Families still matter. Bridewealth still matters. Clan rules still matter. But the girl is not described as a passive prize handed to whoever wins a fight. Instead, courtship begins through indirect communication. A girl may send messages through trusted people. Relatives and friends become go-betweens. Interest is tested carefully, because marriage is not only about two individuals. It brings two kin groups into a long relationship. Family Negotiation Comes Next Once interest is known, the two families begin testing whether a marriage alliance is possible. This is where the process becomes more serious. Abbink explains that the families consider the girl’s preference and the amount of “bride-wealth” to be paid by the groom’s family. This bridewealth may include cattle, small stock, bullets, and/or a rifle. The exact arrangement depends on negotiation. ADVERTISEMENT The negotiations can take months. This slow pace is important. Marriage is not treated as a quick personal decision. It is a social agreement that affects families, cattle, children, inheritance, and future obligations. Among the Suri, a husband’s family does not simply “buy” a woman. Bridewealth is better understood as part of alliance-making between kin groups. It recognizes the transfer of a woman into another domestic and kinship setting, but it also creates obligations between families. A Suri child stands among the family's cattle, highlighting the central role of livestock in daily life especially marriage ceremony / Credit: © Piper Mackay Photography That is why Abbink describes Suri marriage as a “multi-stranded alliance between two kin groups.” A boy needs more than personal bravery. He needs a family able to negotiate, contribute bridewealth, and form a lasting relationship with the bride’s family. Further Reading Jon Abbink, “ Suri”
Encyclopedia of World Cultures
Relevant section : Kinship, Marriage, and Family Bridewealth and Cattle Bridewealth is central to how a Suri boy becomes a husband. Cattle are especially important, though the evidence does not support one fixed number that applies everywhere. Many online claims say a Suri man must own a specific number of cattle, sometimes 60. What is well supported is that cattle and other valuables form a major part of the negotiation. This makes sense in a pastoral setting where livestock carries social value. The NDRMC profile shows that livestock remains part of the modern economy in Surma woreda, and it also records environmental pressures affecting herding life. In some communities, people migrate because they are “Searching for pasture and water” (NDRMC, 2020, p. 55). On another page, the same profile records decreased rainfall and increased temperature across kebeles (NDRMC, 2020, p. 84). These modern pressures matter because bridewealth depends on wealth that families can gather. Cattle are not symbolic only. They are living resources that need pasture, water, protection, and labor. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW Gobena Sets Sydney Record as Jepchirchir Wins Women’s Race . Sports Trends The Painful Process Behind Suri Scarification . African Culture Meaning Behind Suri Scarification and Body Marking . African Culture Cattle Bloodletting Among the Suri of Ethiopia . African Culture POPULAR TODAY Sports Trends Gobena Sets Sydney Record as Jepchirchir Wins Women’s Race . African Culture The Painful Process Behind Suri Scarification . African Culture Meaning Behind Suri Scarification and Body Marking . African Culture Cattle Bloodletting Among the Suri of Ethiopia . African Culture The Painful Process Behind Making a Suri Lip Plate . The Wedding Ceremony When the families reach agreement, the wedding can take place. Abbink describes the ceremony as involving “beer, song and dance,” followed by the ritual entrance of the girl into the new hut and into the groom’s family. That ritual entrance is important. It marks a social transition. The bride is not only moving into a new home. She is entering a new family network. The domestic unit among the Suri is centered around a wife and her children. Abbink notes that a married woman has her own hut, garden, economic activities, and social network. A husband may have more than one wife, and he does not necessarily have a personal hut of his own. He moves between domestic units and carries responsibilities outside the home, including herding, guarding, farming, public discussion, and sometimes raiding. So when a Suri boy becomes a husband, he is not simply gaining a companion. He is entering a demanding adult role tied to cattle, kinship, public responsibility, and the future of children. What the Boy Must Have Culturally, a Suri boy needs several things before marriage becomes possible: He needs maturity. Participation in public male life, including stick-dueling, helps show that he is no longer a child. He needs social visibility. A girl and her relatives must know who he is, and his public behavior matters. He needs to fit clan rules. Marriage should happen outside the keno line. He needs the girl’s interest. Abbink’s account makes clear that her preference matters. He needs family backing. Bridewealth is not only an individual payment; it comes through family negotiation. He needs wealth or access to wealth, especially livestock and other valuables that may be included in bridewealth. This is why “winning a wife” is the wrong phrase. A Suri boy does not get a wife by a single act. He becomes marriageable through a chain of public, personal, and family steps. Common Misconceptions The first misconception is that donga automatically gives a boy a wife. The evidence does not support that. Donga can influence attraction and reputation, but marriage depends on negotiation and bridewealth. The second misconception is that the girl has no say. Abbink’s account directly names the “preference of the girl” as one of the decisive factors. The third misconception is that all Suri marriages require one fixed number of cattle. The fourth misconception is that Suri marriage is only about violence. That misses the larger picture. Marriage is about kinship, cattle, social maturity, family alliance, and the public reputation of both sides. Conclusion A Suri boy gets a wife culturally through more than strength. Donga may help him become noticed, but it does not replace the marriage process. The girl’s preference matters. Clan rules matter. Families must negotiate. Bridewealth must be agreed. The wedding then brings the bride into a new hut and a new kin relationship. The most accurate way to describe the process is this: a Suri boy becomes a possible husband through public maturity and family backing, but he becomes a married man only when the girl’s choice, clan rules, bridewealth, and family agreement come together. Reference: Jon Abbink’s Suri entry in Encyclopedia of World Cultures Ethiopian NDRMC Surma Woreda Disaster Risk Profile pdf ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE African Culture Leadership Among the Suri of Ethiopia How elders, age grades, and ritual authority shape Suri public life . African Culture Why Suri Women Wear Lip Plates: The Real Story Beauty, womanhood, marriage, identity, and the truth behind a misunderstood tradition . African Culture Inside the Dangerous World of Suri Donga Stick Fighting A look at courage, danger, ritual combat, and change in southwest Ethiopia . African Culture Why the Suri Paint Their Bodies with Mud and Clay Beauty, ceremony, identity, and the truth behind a famous Suri tradition . Tags Ethiopia Ethiopia The Suri People The Suri People African Culture African Culture

King Promise says his parents want a grandchild, but the award-winning singer says he is not ready to marry and will settle down later. Ghanaian musician King Promise has disclosed that his parents have begun asking him about having children, even though he says he is not yet ready to settle down. Speaking in a recent interview, the singer said his parents have openly expressed their desire for a grandchild, occasionally referencing the children featured in his music videos. King Promise, who won Artiste of the Year at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards, said he has met several women over the years but believes the time is not right for marriage. He explained that he is still navigating life and expects to settle down at a later stage. The singer also noted that his perspective on choosing a life partner has evolved, adding that he no longer prioritises physical attributes as he once did. According to him, emotional connection now matters more than appearance. Meanwhile, King Promise is preparing for his annual Promised Land concert, scheduled for December 30, 2025, at the Ghud Park. Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT King Promise Says Parents Are Asking for a Grandchild By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Dec 15, 2025 May 15, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Ghanaian musician King Promise has disclosed that his parents have begun asking him about having children, even though he says he is not yet ready to settle down. Speaking in a recent interview, the singer said his parents have openly expressed their desire for a grandchild, occasionally referencing the children featured in his music videos. King Promise, who won Artiste of the Year at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards, said he has met several women over the years but believes the time is not right for marriage. ADVERTISEMENT He explained that he is still navigating life and expects to settle down at a later stage. The singer also noted that his perspective on choosing a life partner has evolved, adding that he no longer prioritises physical attributes as he once did. According to him, emotional connection now matters more than appearance. ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, King Promise is preparing for his annual Promised Land concert, scheduled for December 30, 2025, at the Ghud Park. 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 Ghana Ghana

Burundi and the AfDB renewed cooperation on energy, infrastructure, agriculture and youth employment after talks in Bujumbura. Burundi and the African Development Bank deepened development cooperation after Prime Minister Nestor Ntahontuye met AfDB East Africa Director General Alex Muburu in Bujumbura on April 8, with both sides reviewing support for priority sectors including energy, infrastructure, agriculture and youth employment. According to Burundi’s public broadcaster, the meeting also included AfDB’s representative in Burundi, Mouna Kadidjatou Diawara, and focused on aligning future support with the country’s development priorities. Officials said the talks reviewed existing achievements and areas for further backing. The energy sector featured prominently in the discussions, with RTNB highlighting the Jiji-Mulembwe hydropower project as one of the flagship initiatives supported by the bank. AfDB project documents say the two plants are designed to add about 48 megawatts of installed capacity, more than doubling Burundi’s previously installed national generation base. Transport infrastructure was also part of the exchange, including road building and plans for a railway link, while agriculture remained central because it employs much of Burundi’s population. RTNB said both sides discussed adding more value through agro-processing to help stimulate the economy. The talks also underscored social investment, especially in vocational training and education for young people. That emphasis is consistent with AfDB-backed programs in Burundi, including a youth and women’s agropastoral entrepreneurship and professional development project launched with strong bank financing. Both parties further stressed the role of public-private partnerships, with the bank signaling support for private investors in government priority sectors. AfDB’s published Burundi portfolio and country materials also reflect a broader focus on energy access, agricultural modernization and infrastructure-led growth. Continue Reading Full Article JUSTICE & CRIME Burundi, AfDB outline next phase of strategic investments By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Apr 9, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Burundi and the African Development Bank deepened development cooperation after Prime Minister Nestor Ntahontuye met AfDB East Africa Director General Alex Muburu in Bujumbura on April 8, with both sides reviewing support for priority sectors including energy, infrastructure, agriculture and youth employment. According to Burundi’s public broadcaster, the meeting also included AfDB’s representative in Burundi, Mouna Kadidjatou Diawara, and focused on aligning future support with the country’s development priorities. Officials said the talks reviewed existing achievements and areas for further backing. The energy sector featured prominently in the discussions, with RTNB highlighting the Jiji-Mulembwe hydropower project as one of the flagship initiatives supported by the bank. AfDB project documents say the two plants are designed to add about 48 megawatts of installed capacity, more than doubling Burundi’s previously installed national generation base. ADVERTISEMENT Transport infrastructure was also part of the exchange, including road building and plans for a railway link, while agriculture remained central because it employs much of Burundi’s population. RTNB said both sides discussed adding more value through agro-processing to help stimulate the economy. The talks also underscored social investment, especially in vocational training and education for young people. That emphasis is consistent with AfDB-backed programs in Burundi, including a youth and women’s agropastoral entrepreneurship and professional development project launched with strong bank financing. ADVERTISEMENT Both parties further stressed the role of public-private partnerships, with the bank signaling support for private investors in government priority sectors. AfDB’s published Burundi portfolio and country materials also reflect a broader focus on energy access, agricultural modernization and infrastructure-led growth. 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 Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply . Military and Defense BREAKING: Burundi Reportedly Moves Closer to Sending Troops to Gaza . Politics & Diplomacy Tshisekedi and Ndayishimiye Renew Call for African Solutions . War in Eastern DRC Tshisekedi and Burundi Chief Forge Deadly Alliance Against Kigali . International Relations DRC, Burundi Move to Implement Border Defense Pact . ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply Up to 120 EAC Master’s scholarships are open to nationals of eight East African countries, . Military and Defense BREAKING: Burundi Reportedly Moves Closer to Sending Troops to Gaza Burundian military officials reportedly join talks over a planned Gaza stabilization force. . Politics & Diplomacy Tshisekedi and Ndayishimiye Renew Call for African Solutions DRC and Burundi leaders push unity, security, and regional cooperation . War in Eastern DRC Tshisekedi and Burundi Chief Forge Deadly Alliance Against Kigali Kinshasa meeting comes amid US pressure on Rwanda and eastern DRC tensions. . Tags Burundi Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye Evariste Ndayishimiye Burundi’s Vision 2040–206 Burundi’s Vision 2040–206 African Union African Union

Kenya's trade balance with African nations reached an unprecedented surplus of Ksh164.04 billion ($1.22 billion) in 2023, marking a significant milestone in the country's economic relations within the continent. According to provisional data from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), the surge in exports to Ksh431.89 billion ($3.22 billion) signifies a robust 22.99% growth compared to the previous year. This leap was fueled by heightened demand for key exports including cement clinkers, lubricants, wheat flour, food preparations, and kerosene-type jet fuel, primarily to nations such as Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Egypt, Somalia, and South Sudan. In stark contrast, import expenditure saw a marginal increase of 0.31% to Ksh267.86 billion ($2 billion), showcasing the most modest rise since the 2020 downturn attributed to the pandemic. This development nearly doubled Kenya's trade surplus with its African counterparts from Ksh84.13 billion in the preceding year, underscoring the nation's thriving trade dynamics. A Push for Market Integration The impressive trade surplus aligns with President William Ruto's vigorous advocacy for the elimination of trade barriers within Africa. His administration emphasizes the integration of regional trading blocs, aiming to foster the movement of goods, services, and labor across the continent. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) stands at the core of these efforts, aspiring to establish a vast single market comprising approximately 1.4 billion people and an economic output exceeding $3 trillion. Innovating Trade through Technology President Ruto also champions the adoption of a payment system that enables the settlement of intra-African trade transactions in local currencies. This initiative seeks to diminish the continent's dependency on the US dollar, thereby simplifying trade processes. " Technology will be instrumental in ensuring our traders are not bogged down by currency exchanges, allowing them to focus on boosting trade across our nations," Ruto stated in November last year. Looking Ahead As Kenya continues to lead by example in enhancing intra-African trade, the focus on technological innovation and regional integration heralds a new era of economic prosperity for the continent. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 15, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Reports indicate kenya's economic dominance in Africa to be one of the highest Kenya's trade balance with African nations reached an unprecedented surplus of Ksh164.04 billion ($1.22 billion) in 2023, marking a significant milestone in the country's economic relations within the continent. According to provisional data from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), the surge in exports to Ksh431.89 billion ($3.22 billion) signifies a robust 22.99% growth compared to the previous year. This leap was fueled by heightened demand for key exports including cement clinkers, lubricants, wheat flour, food preparations, and kerosene-type jet fuel, primarily to nations such as Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Egypt, Somalia, and South Sudan. In stark contrast, import expenditure saw a marginal increase of 0.31% to Ksh267.86 billion ($2 billion), showcasing the most modest rise since the 2020 downturn attributed to the pandemic. This development nearly doubled Kenya's trade surplus with its African counterparts from Ksh84.13 billion in the preceding year, underscoring the nation's thriving trade dynamics. ADVERTISEMENT A Push for Market Integration The impressive trade surplus aligns with President William Ruto's vigorous advocacy for the elimination of trade barriers within Africa. His administration emphasizes the integration of regional trading blocs, aiming to foster the movement of goods, services, and labor across the continent. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) stands at the core of these efforts, aspiring to establish a vast single market comprising approximately 1.4 billion people and an economic output exceeding $3 trillion. Innovating Trade through Technology President Ruto also champions the adoption of a payment system that enables the settlement of intra-African trade transactions in local currencies. This initiative seeks to diminish the continent's dependency on the US dollar, thereby simplifying trade processes. " Technology will be instrumental in ensuring our traders are not bogged down by currency exchanges, allowing them to focus on boosting trade across our nations," Ruto stated in November last year. Looking Ahead As Kenya continues to lead by example in enhancing intra-African trade, the focus on technological innovation and regional integration heralds a new era of economic prosperity for the continent. 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