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  • WHY VSV wants more sanctions after U.S. action on Rwanda army

    VSV says U.S. sanctions on Rwanda’s army should prompt wider international action over the conflict in eastern DR Congo. A Congolese human rights group has called on other international actors to follow Washington’s lead after the United States sanctioned the Rwanda Defence Force and four senior officers over the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo . Voice of the Voiceless, known as VSV, said the measures reflect demands long made by parts of Congolese civil society and could help strengthen efforts to address insecurity and reported abuses in the region. The significance of the U.S. move lies in both its legal and diplomatic weight. On March 2, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control placed the Rwanda Defence Force and four officials Mubarakh Muganga, Vincent Nyakarundi, Ruki Karusisi and Stanislas Gashugi on its sanctions list, accusing the force of supporting the M23 armed group in eastern Congo. Under the designation, any property or interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally barred from dealing with the sanctioned parties. For VSV, that decision goes beyond a symbolic rebuke. The organisation argues that similar measures by other states or international bodies could increase pressure on both state and non-state actors linked to the prolonged instability in eastern Congo. The group’s reaction adds to broader calls inside the DRC for stronger external action after Kinshasa also welcomed the U.S. sanctions earlier this week. The Treasury action also included a temporary general licence allowing certain wind-down transactions involving the Rwanda Defence Force or entities it owns by 50% or more until April 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time. That means the sanctions regime is already being implemented with a short transition window, underscoring how quickly the U.S. measures moved from announcement to enforcement. Continue Reading Full Article AFRICAN POLITICS WHY VSV wants more sanctions after U.S. action on Rwanda army By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Mar 6, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: A Congolese human rights group has called on other international actors to follow Washington’s lead after the United States sanctioned the Rwanda Defence Force and four senior officers over the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo . Voice of the Voiceless, known as VSV, said the measures reflect demands long made by parts of Congolese civil society and could help strengthen efforts to address insecurity and reported abuses in the region. The significance of the U.S. move lies in both its legal and diplomatic weight. On March 2, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control placed the Rwanda Defence Force and four officials Mubarakh Muganga, Vincent Nyakarundi, Ruki Karusisi and Stanislas Gashugi on its sanctions list, accusing the force of supporting the M23 armed group in eastern Congo. Under the designation, any property or interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally barred from dealing with the sanctioned parties. ADVERTISEMENT For VSV, that decision goes beyond a symbolic rebuke. The organisation argues that similar measures by other states or international bodies could increase pressure on both state and non-state actors linked to the prolonged instability in eastern Congo. The group’s reaction adds to broader calls inside the DRC for stronger external action after Kinshasa also welcomed the U.S. sanctions earlier this week. ADVERTISEMENT The Treasury action also included a temporary general licence allowing certain wind-down transactions involving the Rwanda Defence Force or entities it owns by 50% or more until April 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time. That means the sanctions regime is already being implemented with a short transition window, underscoring how quickly the U.S. measures moved from announcement to enforcement. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Policy and Reforms US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . War in Eastern DRC Muyaya: Congo's War Has Nothing to Do With the Constitution . Infrastructure DRC Signs Contracts to Modernise 13 Airports, First Deliveries in 2028 . Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews . | Economy DRC Opens London Forum Seeking Partnerships, Not Aid . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Policy and Reforms US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty Will Democrats support Kagame after the 2026 midterms? Blinken's statements, Biden's Rwanda policy . War in Eastern DRC Muyaya: Congo's War Has Nothing to Do With the Constitution In London, the DRC government spokesperson rejects constitutional politics as a cause of the eastern . Infrastructure DRC Signs Contracts to Modernise 13 Airports, First Deliveries in 2028 Four firms will rebuild runways and terminals from Kalemie to Muanda under a Treasury-funded plan . Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews Board vote set for December; minister says up to $771 million could follow if approved . Tags DR.Congo DR.Congo RwandanTroops in DRC RwandanTroops in DRC M23 Rebels M23 Rebels African Union African Union Thérèse Kayikwamba Thérèse Kayikwamba

  • What could be behind burna boy's flopped houston concert

    A breakdown of why Burna Boy’s Houston concert sparked “flop” claims, what fan videos showed, and what verified data reveals about the tour stop. On paper, Burna Boy’s Houston stop is anything but a flop. The No Sign Of Weakness Tour is his biggest North American arena run yet, launched in support of his eighth studio album and built around a 360 degree stage that plants him dead in the center of the crowd. Ticketmaster and Toyota Center have billed the November 22 show as a full arena experience for the Grammy winner, slotting Houston among heavy hitter dates like Seattle, Chicago and Toronto on a 17 city schedule that treats Afrobeats like standard arena business, not a novelty import. Afro focused outlets from Pulse Nigeria to Africa Hall of Fame have framed the wider tour as a landmark chapter in Burna’s global takeover, projecting over 300,000 fans across North America and tying the run to a year where he sold out European stadiums and reset expectations for African artists on Western stages. What we can actually verify about Houston is more sober and less dramatic than the word “flop” suggests. Toyota Center’s concert configuration tops out around nineteen thousand seats , and in the weeks leading up to the show, primary and resale platforms advertised a wide spread of tickets, from upper bowl seats under eighty dollars to VIP experiences and floor spots averaging well above one hundred and fifty. Backstage in full warrior mode, Burna Boy makes his entrance with the confidence of a man built for arenas. Listings on StubHub, Vivid Seats and comparison sites still showed meaningful inventory in the upper sections close to show day, which points to a night that was not an instant sellout, but none of these vendors publish final attendance data, and they are not authoritative box office sources. Local and Afrocentric media that have covered Burna’s 2025 wins with real numbers, from his historic Stade de France crowd to his projected North American headcount, have not yet released hard figures for Houston, nor have The Touring Co or Toyota Center issued any statement calling the stop underwhelming. Right now, “flopped Houston concert” is a social media phrase, not a documented fact. To understand why that phrase is trending at all, you have to zoom out to the climate Burna is touring through. The wider 2025 live market is hot and harsh at the same time, with average US concert tickets hovering around one hundred and forty dollars and reports of dynamic pricing, monopolistic fees and an FTC lawsuit against Ticketmaster making fans feel squeezed before they even hear a soundcheck. At the same time, Pollstar’s mid year analysis shows per show grosses and average attendance rising, driven by a wave of big arena and stadium runs, even as some legacy acts quietly downgrade or reshuffle dates when sales lag. In Afrobeats specifically, 2025 is crowded: Davido, BNXN, Rema and others are all pushing their own North American tours into the same wallets and calendars, which means diaspora fans who once treated every African giant sighting like a once in a lifetime event now have to pick and choose. Layer on top a Burna Boy who is more combative and inward on No Sign Of Weakness, with critics from Pitchfork to The Native and OkayAfrica noting the defensive tone and repetition in places, and you get a superstar whose aura feels a little heavier than during the African Giant run, even while his stages get bigger. The way Burna has been talking to his audience this year also shapes how people read a night like Houston. In an Instagram post via his album channel, he teased that new music going forward would be “strictly” for people who buy concert tickets, telling everyone else to respectfully go elsewhere, a statement Pulse Nigeria framed as a clear prioritisation of paying fans over casual streaming listeners. On stage, the Denver incident that went viral a few days before the Houston date, where he halted the show and demanded that a dozing fan be escorted out before he continued, was covered by Guardian Nigeria and This Is Lagos as another example of his zero tolerance approach to perceived disrespect, even in a packed arena. That tough love persona travels quickly through diaspora timelines, then collides with fan shot videos that highlight empty seats more than sweating bodies. Meanwhile, his official channels, from Burna Boy on Instagram to Burna Boy on X, continue to push slick tour trailers, tightly framed crowd shots and album visuals that sell the No Sign Of Weakness era as pure victory lap. In that clash between fan footage and official branding, almost any arena that is not visibly bursting at the seams is vulnerable to being labelled a “flop,” regardless of actual revenue or headcount. Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT What could be behind burna boy's flopped houston concert By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Nov 25, 2025 May 15, 2026 6 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: On paper, Burna Boy’s Houston stop is anything but a flop. The No Sign Of Weakness Tour is his biggest North American arena run yet, launched in support of his eighth studio album and built around a 360 degree stage that plants him dead in the center of the crowd. Ticketmaster and Toyota Center have billed the November 22 show as a full arena experience for the Grammy winner, slotting Houston among heavy hitter dates like Seattle, Chicago and Toronto on a 17 city schedule that treats Afrobeats like standard arena business, not a novelty import. Afro focused outlets from Pulse Nigeria to Africa Hall of Fame have framed the wider tour as a landmark chapter in Burna’s global takeover, projecting over 300,000 fans across North America and tying the run to a year where he sold out European stadiums and reset expectations for African artists on Western stages. What we can actually verify about Houston is more sober and less dramatic than the word “flop” suggests. Toyota Center’s concert configuration tops out around nineteen thousand seats , and in the weeks leading up to the show, primary and resale platforms advertised a wide spread of tickets, from upper bowl seats under eighty dollars to VIP experiences and floor spots averaging well above one hundred and fifty. ADVERTISEMENT Backstage in full warrior mode, Burna Boy makes his entrance with the confidence of a man built for arenas. Listings on StubHub, Vivid Seats and comparison sites still showed meaningful inventory in the upper sections close to show day, which points to a night that was not an instant sellout, but none of these vendors publish final attendance data, and they are not authoritative box office sources. Local and Afrocentric media that have covered Burna’s 2025 wins with real numbers, from his historic Stade de France crowd to his projected North American headcount, have not yet released hard figures for Houston, nor have The Touring Co or Toyota Center issued any statement calling the stop underwhelming. Right now, “flopped Houston concert” is a social media phrase, not a documented fact. To understand why that phrase is trending at all, you have to zoom out to the climate Burna is touring through. The wider 2025 live market is hot and harsh at the same time, with average US concert tickets hovering around one hundred and forty dollars and reports of dynamic pricing, monopolistic fees and an FTC lawsuit against Ticketmaster making fans feel squeezed before they even hear a soundcheck. At the same time, Pollstar’s mid year analysis shows per show grosses and average attendance rising, driven by a wave of big arena and stadium runs, even as some legacy acts quietly downgrade or reshuffle dates when sales lag. ADVERTISEMENT In Afrobeats specifically, 2025 is crowded: Davido, BNXN, Rema and others are all pushing their own North American tours into the same wallets and calendars, which means diaspora fans who once treated every African giant sighting like a once in a lifetime event now have to pick and choose. Layer on top a Burna Boy who is more combative and inward on No Sign Of Weakness, with critics from Pitchfork to The Native and OkayAfrica noting the defensive tone and repetition in places, and you get a superstar whose aura feels a little heavier than during the African Giant run, even while his stages get bigger. The way Burna has been talking to his audience this year also shapes how people read a night like Houston. In an Instagram post via his album channel, he teased that new music going forward would be “strictly” for people who buy concert tickets, telling everyone else to respectfully go elsewhere, a statement Pulse Nigeria framed as a clear prioritisation of paying fans over casual streaming listeners. On stage, the Denver incident that went viral a few days before the Houston date, where he halted the show and demanded that a dozing fan be escorted out before he continued, was covered by Guardian Nigeria and This Is Lagos as another example of his zero tolerance approach to perceived disrespect, even in a packed arena. That tough love persona travels quickly through diaspora timelines, then collides with fan shot videos that highlight empty seats more than sweating bodies. Meanwhile, his official channels, from Burna Boy on Instagram to Burna Boy on X, continue to push slick tour trailers, tightly framed crowd shots and album visuals that sell the No Sign Of Weakness era as pure victory lap. In that clash between fan footage and official branding, almost any arena that is not visibly bursting at the seams is vulnerable to being labelled a “flop,” regardless of actual revenue or headcount. Before the chaos and the commentary, Burna Boy set the tone himself with a charged dispatch to Houston. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today African Culture Ayo Maff Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs and Street-Pop Rise . African Culture FOLA Biography: Real Name, Songs, Catharsis and Rise . African Culture Young Jonn Biography: Age, Songs, Albums & Producer-to-Star Rise . African Culture Yemi Alade Biography: Age, Heritage, Songs & Grammy Nomination . Nigerian Entertainment Davido Hints at Possible Second Kigali Concert After Tickets Sell Out . ADVERTISEMENT Culturally, though, Houston still sits in a different frame from the stan war headlines. A Nigerian star headlining the city’s main basketball arena again, backed by a North American routing that treats Houston as non negotiable, is part of the quiet normalisation of Afrobeats as a core pillar of Black nightlife in the States. Whether the upper bowl had gaps or not, thousands of people from Alief to Lekki by way of Brixton shared a night in a room built for NBA drama, singing “Last Last” and the new No Sign Of Weakness cuts in a city that once only caught this sound at club nights and day parties. In that sense, the more useful story is not “Burna flopped in Houston,” it is that Afrofusion has reached the phase where an African arena show can underperform a little and still be routine, not disaster. Until we see audited box office numbers or credible reporting that says otherwise, it is safer and more honest to treat the “flop” talk as fan narrative, shaped by camera angles, pricing angst and Burna’s own high stakes attitude, rather than a verified verdict on his pull in H Town. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles African Culture Ayo Maff Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs and Street-Pop Rise Discover Ayo Maff’s age, real name, Bariga roots, “Dealer” breakthrough, album and 2026 music . African Culture FOLA Biography: Real Name, Songs, Catharsis and Rise Meet the Nigerian Afro-R&B singer behind Alone, catharsis and his 2026 chart success. . African Culture Young Jonn Biography: Age, Songs, Albums & Producer-to-Star Rise Discover Young Jonn’s age, real name, albums, awards and journey from producer to Afropop star. . African Culture Yemi Alade Biography: Age, Heritage, Songs & Grammy Nomination Discover Yemi Alade’s age, heritage, albums, awards and journey from Johnny to global Afropop . Tags Nigerian Musics Nigerian Musics African Entertainment African Entertainment Nigeria News Nigeria News African Musics African Musics Culture & Entertainment Culture & Entertainment

  • Uganda Boat-Safety Proposals: Life Jackets, Fines and Current Rules

    Uganda is developing boat-safety regulations. See what is proposed, what the existing life-jacket notice requires and why the fines are not yet settled. KAMPALA — 25 October 2026: Uganda's Ministry of Works and Transport is developing further boat-safety regulations, with proposed penalties still under discussion. Passengers should distinguish those proposals from the ministry's existing instructions on life jackets, vessel licensing, overloading and daytime operation. A Daily Monitor report published on 25 October describes the proposals. Separately, the ministry's Marine Notice No. 001/2026 , issued in August, already requires passengers on outboard-engine boats to wear life jackets throughout their journeys. Are Uganda's proposed boat-safety fines already in force? The new report describes penalties under consideration, rather than a final operative schedule. Existing ministry instructions already require life jackets on outboard-engine boats, prohibit overloading and address licensing. Passengers should follow those instructions while awaiting the final regulations and their commencement details. What the proposed fines would mean Monitor quotes Barnabas Twinomujuni, the ministry's acting principal marine licensing officer, discussing a proposed Shs4 million penalty for operating an unregistered boat. For passengers without life jackets, it reports that a lower Shs2 million figure is also being considered. The reported January 2027 timetable is an expectation, not a confirmed commencement date. Twinomujuni describes consultations and legal clearance still ahead. A final legal instrument is needed to establish the exact offences, penalties and start date. Those distinctions are important for anyone seeing a headline about a Shs4 million passenger fine. The report does not establish one final new fine automatically payable by every passenger today. Nor does the existence of a draft remove obligations already set out in the ministry's notice. The ministry's publication page is dated 21 August 2026. Its attached notice gives passengers and operators separate responsibilities. Boat owners and operators must carry sufficient life-saving appliances and life jackets. On conventional vessels, jackets should be accessible. Passengers on boats powered by outboard engines must wear them from departure for the entire voyage. Continue Reading Full Article LOCAL TRANSPORT Uganda Boat-Safety Proposals: Life Jackets, Fines and Current Rules By Kamau Bahati Entertainment Editor Kamau Bahati Home Comment Oct 25, 2026 Oct 25, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: KAMPALA — 25 October 2026: Uganda's Ministry of Works and Transport is developing further boat-safety regulations, with proposed penalties still under discussion. Passengers should distinguish those proposals from the ministry's existing instructions on life jackets, vessel licensing, overloading and daytime operation. A Daily Monitor report published on 25 October describes the proposals. Separately, the ministry's Marine Notice No. 001/2026 , issued in August, already requires passengers on outboard-engine boats to wear life jackets throughout their journeys. Are Uganda's proposed boat-safety fines already in force? The new report describes penalties under consideration, rather than a final operative schedule. Existing ministry instructions already require life jackets on outboard-engine boats, prohibit overloading and address licensing. Passengers should follow those instructions while awaiting the final regulations and their commencement details. What the proposed fines would mean Monitor quotes Barnabas Twinomujuni, the ministry's acting principal marine licensing officer, discussing a proposed Shs4 million penalty for operating an unregistered boat. For passengers without life jackets, it reports that a lower Shs2 million figure is also being considered. The reported January 2027 timetable is an expectation, not a confirmed commencement date. Twinomujuni describes consultations and legal clearance still ahead. A final legal instrument is needed to establish the exact offences, penalties and start date. ADVERTISEMENT Those distinctions are important for anyone seeing a headline about a Shs4 million passenger fine. The report does not establish one final new fine automatically payable by every passenger today. Nor does the existence of a draft remove obligations already set out in the ministry's notice. The ministry's publication page is dated 21 August 2026. Its attached notice gives passengers and operators separate responsibilities. Boat owners and operators must carry sufficient life-saving appliances and life jackets. On conventional vessels, jackets should be accessible. Passengers on boats powered by outboard engines must wear them from departure for the entire voyage. The notice also warns that unregistered and unlicensed boats operating on inland waterways will be impounded, prohibits overloading and restricts outboard-engine boats to 6:30am–6:30pm operation. Those times are local Uganda time. The outboard-engine qualification matters: the notice does not express that operating-hours restriction as a universal timetable for every type of vessel. Travellers should check their actual service rather than assume a rule for one vessel category applies identically to all ferries and boats. ADVERTISEMENT Wearing a jacket is different from carrying one Nile Post's August coverage of the directive explains that passengers on outboard-powered vessels must keep jackets on continuously, while operators must supply the equipment. That creates two practical checks before departure: whether the boat has enough equipment for those aboard, and whether passengers are actually wearing it. A jacket stored elsewhere on an outboard boat does not meet the instruction that a passenger wear one throughout the trip. The same report highlights the ministry's warning about strong winds and turbulent waves during July–October. It is a seasonal warning, rather than a forecast declaring a particular crossing safe or unsafe on a particular day. Passengers should therefore check current operating conditions as well as equipment. An advertised departure or a paid fare should not be treated as a guarantee that a journey can proceed regardless of the weather. Check the vessel and the journey before boarding ChimpReports' account of the existing restrictions also describes enforcement against unregistered boats and the prohibition on overloading. Its report concerns the August notice, not a newly adopted October penalty schedule. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Government Announcements Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Political Appointments Muhoozi Clarifies Uganda CDF Exit Plan: Has He Resigned? . Agriculture Morocco Tomato Export Restrictions: Africa and Europe Explained . Investment Kenya Plans $500M Startup Fund: How It Could Work . Business Trends Killarney Mall Transfer Completed in R397.5 Million Deal . ADVERTISEMENT For a passenger, the useful questions are concrete: Is the operator able to identify the vessel and explain its registration and licensing status? Is a life jacket available for each passenger, with assistance on how to wear it? Is the boat being loaded within its permitted capacity? Does the journey comply with the operating restrictions that apply to that vessel? What happens if weather or a safety instruction delays departure? These checks do not replace inspection by the responsible authorities. They help travellers recognise when an operator has not answered basic questions before boarding. If equipment is missing or the proposed journey conflicts with the notice, passengers should seek another arrangement rather than proceed on a verbal assurance alone. What would settle the remaining questions The next regulatory milestone is a final published instrument setting out the requirements, their legal scope and commencement. Until that is available, proposed penalties should be described as proposals. Operators will need clear instructions about any additional inspection, registration or training process before new obligations can be explained reliably. Passengers, meanwhile, already have an actionable instruction: use the required life jacket and do not treat the debate over future fines as a reason to ignore present safety measures. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Government Announcements Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next Signed environmental grants put local delivery, community ownership and accountability in focus. . Political Appointments Muhoozi Clarifies Uganda CDF Exit Plan: Has He Resigned? Muhoozi says he may hand over Uganda's military command but has not announced a resignation date. . Agriculture Morocco Tomato Export Restrictions: Africa and Europe Explained New permits reportedly frozen, European shipments exempt; West African markets face uncertainty. . Investment Kenya Plans $500M Startup Fund: How It Could Work Kenya's NIFC wants to raise $500m for startups, with half targeted at technology and AI businesses. . Tags Breaking News Breaking News Uganda Uganda

  • Government Prepares “Made in DRC” Export Task Force

    DRC prepares an export task force to take Congolese coffee, cocoa and other Made in DRC products to major global markets. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is preparing a national export task force designed to carry more Congolese products from local farms and factories to shelves around the world. The initiative brings a powerful new meaning to the Made in DRC label. Coffee, cocoa, palm oil, chilli peppers, soy, sesame, rubber, timber and other products could gain stronger access to major markets in China, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and the European Union. The decision followed an August 4 technical meeting in Kinshasa between Minister of Foreign Trade Julien Paluku Kahongya and experts from the National Agency for Export Promotion, known as ANAPEX, led by its director-general, Mike Tambwe Lubemba. According to Opinion Info , the planned task force will unite specialists from the ministries responsible for agriculture, rural development, industry, foreign trade and the environment. Technical bodies, including the Congolese Control Office, will also participate. Their shared mission will be to strengthen the quality, certification, competitiveness and traceability of Congolese goods prepared for export. One Team to Promote Congolese Excellence The task force will create a coordinated national platform around a clear objective: help Congolese producers meet the standards required by international buyers. For farmers, cooperatives, processors and exporters, this work can open the door to better packaging, reliable certification, stronger quality control and clearer routes to foreign markets. For international buyers and investors, it offers a more structured path to discovering products grown and processed in one of Africa's most resource-rich countries. The strategy also places agriculture and local industry at the centre of Congo's economic growth. Every bag of coffee, box of cocoa, bottle of palm oil or package of dried chilli exported under the Made in DRC label can promote Congolese expertise while supporting value chains at home. Major Markets Are Opening to Made in DRC Products Continue Reading Full Article | ECONOMY Government Prepares “Made in DRC” Export Task Force By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Aug 4, 2026 Aug 4, 2026 6 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Democratic Republic of the Congo is preparing a national export task force designed to carry more Congolese products from local farms and factories to shelves around the world. The initiative brings a powerful new meaning to the Made in DRC label. Coffee, cocoa, palm oil, chilli peppers, soy, sesame, rubber, timber and other products could gain stronger access to major markets in China, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and the European Union. The decision followed an August 4 technical meeting in Kinshasa between Minister of Foreign Trade Julien Paluku Kahongya and experts from the National Agency for Export Promotion, known as ANAPEX, led by its director-general, Mike Tambwe Lubemba. According to Opinion Info , the planned task force will unite specialists from the ministries responsible for agriculture, rural development, industry, foreign trade and the environment. Technical bodies, including the Congolese Control Office, will also participate. Their shared mission will be to strengthen the quality, certification, competitiveness and traceability of Congolese goods prepared for export. One Team to Promote Congolese Excellence The task force will create a coordinated national platform around a clear objective: help Congolese producers meet the standards required by international buyers. For farmers, cooperatives, processors and exporters, this work can open the door to better packaging, reliable certification, stronger quality control and clearer routes to foreign markets. For international buyers and investors, it offers a more structured path to discovering products grown and processed in one of Africa's most resource-rich countries. ADVERTISEMENT The strategy also places agriculture and local industry at the centre of Congo's economic growth. Every bag of coffee, box of cocoa, bottle of palm oil or package of dried chilli exported under the Made in DRC label can promote Congolese expertise while supporting value chains at home. Major Markets Are Opening to Made in DRC Products The government and ANAPEX have identified significant commercial openings for Congolese businesses. In China, the opportunities presented during the meeting included annual demand for 180,000 tonnes of dried chilli peppers and 50,000 tonnes of cocoa. ANAPEX is already accompanying a Congolese agribusiness project focused on exporting chilli peppers to China, showing how national export promotion can connect local entrepreneurs with large international markets. The official ANAPEX report says the agency is supporting the practical steps required to develop the project and strengthen the competitiveness of Congolese products abroad. In the United Kingdom, 99.8% of Congolese products reportedly qualify for duty-free access. The United Arab Emirates has also opened commercial opportunities for nearly 6,000 Made in DRC products, providing another major destination for Congolese producers seeking global customers. ADVERTISEMENT These openings can give farmers, small businesses, cooperatives and growing industries the confidence to increase production, invest in processing and build relationships with international distributors. Traceability Will Build Global Confidence ANAPEX has proposed a modern traceability system using the geolocation of agricultural production areas. This approach can help buyers identify where products were grown and confirm that Congolese exports meet the standards of their destination markets. Traceability is especially valuable for cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy, sesame, timber and related products entering the European Union. By preparing producers for new European market requirements, the DRC can protect access to valuable buyers and strengthen confidence in the Made in DRC label. Certification and traceability can also help Congolese products stand out for their origin, quality and authenticity. From Kivu coffee and Congolese cocoa to chilli peppers, sesame and palm oil, the country has a diverse agricultural identity ready for wider international recognition. New Possibilities for Farmers, Businesses and Investors The export task force represents more than a trade initiative. It is a bridge connecting Congolese production with global demand. Greater access to international markets can encourage investment in farming, storage, laboratories, packaging, transport and local processing. These activities can create new opportunities for young people, women-led businesses, rural communities and Congolese entrepreneurs across the value chain. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews . | Economy DRC Opens London Forum Seeking Partnerships, Not Aid . Economic Policies DR Congo and Russia Establish Permanent Economic Commission . Economic Reports DRC Exits FATF Grey List After Completing Reform Plan . Infrastructure Grand Inga Moves Forward as RDC-US Committee Meets in Paris . ADVERTISEMENT International partners can also find opportunities to work with Congolese producers in logistics, quality testing, processing technology, sustainable agriculture, distribution and export finance. ANAPEX has already brought together public institutions, private businesses and agricultural operators to strengthen export-oriented value chains. During its July agricultural-export meetings in Kinshasa, the agency encouraged producers and processors to improve quality, expand production and build lasting partnerships with Chinese companies. ANAPEX said it would continue helping Congolese operators prepare their products for international markets and promote the Made in DRC label. From Congolese Soil to Global Shelves The DRC is widely known for its mineral wealth, but its farms, forests, entrepreneurs and processing industries offer another powerful economic story. By aligning production with international standards and building a trusted export system, the government is creating a platform that can introduce more of Congo's agricultural strength to the world. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews Board vote set for December; minister says up to $771 million could follow if approved . | Economy DRC Opens London Forum Seeking Partnerships, Not Aid DR Congo opens a UK investment forum in London with nearly 90 British investors, seeking partnerships . Economic Policies DR Congo and Russia Establish Permanent Economic Commission A new bilateral commission will coordinate trade, technology, technical cooperation... . Economic Reports DRC Exits FATF Grey List After Completing Reform Plan The October 30 decision recognizes reforms to combat money laundering and strengthen.... . Tags DRC Economy DRC Economy DR.Congo DR.Congo

  • M.anifest Says He’s Received No Royalties in Ghana

    M.anifest says he has never received royalties in Ghana, calling the creative industry broken and urging artists to embrace technology. Ghanaian rapper M.anifest has revealed that he has never received royalties from Ghana throughout his music career, citing deep structural challenges within the country’s creative arts industry. Speaking at the “Protecting What You Create” seminar, which was shared on Instagram on 28 February 2026, the award-winning musician described the local system as “broken, with non-existent infrastructure” M.anifest , who has been active in the music industry for over a decade, said the lack of royalty payments highlights the broader difficulties creatives face in Ghana. “I have not received a single cedi in royalties from Ghana in my life,” he stated during the seminar Industry Infrastructure Under Scrutiny The rapper explained that Ghanaian creatives often operate within weak or, at times, non-existent structures. According to him, this reality makes career growth an uphill task. “As a Ghanaian creative or businessperson, you are dealing with broken infrastructure and, at times, non-existent infrastructure,” he said He added that the situation should not discourage artists but rather push them to adapt strategically. Call to Leverage Technology M.anifest urged creatives to embrace technology as a tool to level the playing field. He noted that digital platforms could help musicians bypass some of the structural limitations within the local industry. Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT M.anifest Says He’s Received No Royalties in Ghana By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Mar 3, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Ghanaian rapper M.anifest has revealed that he has never received royalties from Ghana throughout his music career, citing deep structural challenges within the country’s creative arts industry. Speaking at the “Protecting What You Create” seminar, which was shared on Instagram on 28 February 2026, the award-winning musician described the local system as “broken, with non-existent infrastructure” M.anifest , who has been active in the music industry for over a decade, said the lack of royalty payments highlights the broader difficulties creatives face in Ghana. “I have not received a single cedi in royalties from Ghana in my life,” he stated during the seminar ADVERTISEMENT Industry Infrastructure Under Scrutiny The rapper explained that Ghanaian creatives often operate within weak or, at times, non-existent structures. According to him, this reality makes career growth an uphill task. “As a Ghanaian creative or businessperson, you are dealing with broken infrastructure and, at times, non-existent infrastructure,” he said He added that the situation should not discourage artists but rather push them to adapt strategically. ADVERTISEMENT Call to Leverage Technology M.anifest urged creatives to embrace technology as a tool to level the playing field. He noted that digital platforms could help musicians bypass some of the structural limitations within the local industry. “You have to use technology as a tool. We have to use technology more than anybody else because that is our equaliser right now, as the system is broken,” he said He also questioned the availability of performance venues across the country, pointing to limited touring opportunities for musicians Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT The seminar focused on protecting copyrights and creativity in Ghana, as highlighted in an accompanying Instagram post shared by zionfelixdotcom Source: Pulse Ghana ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . 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. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment Ghanian Musics Ghanian Musics Ghana Ghana

  • Biniam Girmay made history as the first black African to win a Tour de France stage, triumphing in a dramatic finish in Turin. Eritrea's Girmay clinched victory in a reduced sprint, beating Colombia's Fernando Gaviria and Belgium's Arnaud de Lie. The stage, a 230.8km route from Piacenza, was marred by a late crash that disrupted many riders, including Mark Cavendish. Cavendish, aiming for a record 35th stage win, was caught out of position due to the crash just over 2km from the finish. He and several others avoided serious injury but lost the chance to compete in the final sprint. Richard Carapaz became the first Ecuadorian to wear the yellow jersey, leading the general classification tied on time with Tadej Pogacar, Remco Evenepoel, and Jonas Vingegaard. At the finish, an emotional Girmay, 24, reflected on his victory. "I would say thanks to God for everything, for giving me all the strength and support," he said. "Since I started cycling I was never dreaming to be part of the Tour de France but now I can't believe it. I want to say thank you to my family, my wife, Eritrea, and Africa. We must be proud. Now is our moment, now is our time. This is for all Africa." Cavendish and his Astana-Qazaqstan teammates were on the right side of the road when the crash occurred. The 39-year-old expressed relief at avoiding injury, having crashed out last year on stage eight. "Something was going to happen," Cavendish said. "You could feel it but you didn't know where or when. I heard it happening ahead so you're on the brakes, you skid and you wait for somebody to hit you from behind. Thankfully we were OK and I don't think anyone was seriously hurt. We didn't sprint but we're safe and that's the main thing." The Tour heads into the Alps on Tuesday, tackling the mighty Col du Galibier on the mountainous 139.6km route from Pinerolo to Valloire. By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Jul 2, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Biniam Girmay made history as the first black African to win a Tour de France stage, triumphing in a dramatic finish in Turin. Eritrea's Girmay clinched victory in a reduced sprint, beating Colombia's Fernando Gaviria and Belgium's Arnaud de Lie. The stage, a 230.8km route from Piacenza, was marred by a late crash that disrupted many riders, including Mark Cavendish. Cavendish, aiming for a record 35th stage win, was caught out of position due to the crash just over 2km from the finish. He and several others avoided serious injury but lost the chance to compete in the final sprint. Richard Carapaz became the first Ecuadorian to wear the yellow jersey, leading the general classification tied on time with Tadej Pogacar, Remco Evenepoel, and Jonas Vingegaard. ADVERTISEMENT At the finish, an emotional Girmay, 24, reflected on his victory. "I would say thanks to God for everything, for giving me all the strength and support," he said. "Since I started cycling I was never dreaming to be part of the Tour de France but now I can't believe it. I want to say thank you to my family, my wife, Eritrea, and Africa. We must be proud. Now is our moment, now is our time. This is for all Africa." Cavendish and his Astana-Qazaqstan teammates were on the right side of the road when the crash occurred. The 39-year-old expressed relief at avoiding injury, having crashed out last year on stage eight. ADVERTISEMENT "Something was going to happen," Cavendish said. "You could feel it but you didn't know where or when. I heard it happening ahead so you're on the brakes, you skid and you wait for somebody to hit you from behind. Thankfully we were OK and I don't think anyone was seriously hurt. We didn't sprint but we're safe and that's the main thing." The Tour heads into the Alps on Tuesday, tackling the mighty Col du Galibier on the mountainous 139.6km route from Pinerolo to Valloire. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

  • Kenya Ebola Update: 57 Contacts Identified, 241 Beds Designated

    Kenya identifies 57 Ebola contacts and designates 241 hospital beds. Ten contacts are quarantined; officials say the country is managing one imported case. NAIROBI — Kenya identified 57 contacts and quarantined 10 people by Wednesday, 7 October 2026, as health officials expanded their response to the country's first imported Ebola infection. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also announced that 241 beds had been designated across five hospitals. The update shifts attention from the fatal imported case to the work of monitoring possible exposure and preparing care facilities. The contact figures do not represent confirmed infections. Officials say Kenya is managing one imported case, rather than a domestic outbreak. What has changed in Kenya's Ebola response? Health officials have identified 57 contacts, with 10 in quarantine, and designated 241 beds across five hospitals. These figures describe monitoring and preparedness, not additional confirmed infections. Authorities say Kenya is managing one imported case while continuing contact tracing and surveillance. Ten contacts are in quarantine Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni gave the contact figures after a stakeholder meeting at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Nairobi. Citizen Digital's Wednesday morning report said teams were following up on people identified through the patient or their relatives. The Standard independently reported the same figures and Muthoni's description of the situation as an imported case under management. She said health officers nationwide had been activated to respond to suspected cases. The ministry is working with county governments and faith-based health facilities to prepare for a possible increase in demand. Health Director-General Patrick Amoth said additional makeshift facilities could be established if needed. Quarantine is a precaution for people who may have been exposed. It should not be confused with a positive laboratory result. The reports reviewed do not establish that any of the quarantined contacts has Ebola, or give individual test results. Five hospitals have designated beds Continue Reading Full Article HEALTH NEWS Kenya Ebola Update: 57 Contacts Identified, 241 Beds Designated By Kamau Bahati Entertainment Editor Kamau Bahati Home Comment Oct 7, 2026 Oct 7, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: NAIROBI — Kenya identified 57 contacts and quarantined 10 people by Wednesday, 7 October 2026, as health officials expanded their response to the country's first imported Ebola infection. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also announced that 241 beds had been designated across five hospitals. The update shifts attention from the fatal imported case to the work of monitoring possible exposure and preparing care facilities. The contact figures do not represent confirmed infections. Officials say Kenya is managing one imported case, rather than a domestic outbreak. What has changed in Kenya's Ebola response? Health officials have identified 57 contacts, with 10 in quarantine, and designated 241 beds across five hospitals. These figures describe monitoring and preparedness, not additional confirmed infections. Authorities say Kenya is managing one imported case while continuing contact tracing and surveillance. Ten contacts are in quarantine Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni gave the contact figures after a stakeholder meeting at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Nairobi. Citizen Digital's Wednesday morning report said teams were following up on people identified through the patient or their relatives. The Standard independently reported the same figures and Muthoni's description of the situation as an imported case under management. She said health officers nationwide had been activated to respond to suspected cases. ADVERTISEMENT The ministry is working with county governments and faith-based health facilities to prepare for a possible increase in demand. Health Director-General Patrick Amoth said additional makeshift facilities could be established if needed. Quarantine is a precaution for people who may have been exposed. It should not be confused with a positive laboratory result. The reports reviewed do not establish that any of the quarantined contacts has Ebola, or give individual test results. Five hospitals have designated beds Duale's capacity announcement was reported by The Star on Wednesday afternoon . The allocation was: Hospital Designated beds The Nairobi Hospital 130 Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital 50 National Police Hospital 49 Kenyatta National Hospital 8 Port Reitz Hospital 4 Total 241 These are designated beds, not a count of patients or proof that every bed is occupied or fully operational. Duale said capacity would expand as the situation developed. He also said the 10 quarantined contacts were undergoing daily symptom monitoring at the National Police Service Hospital in Nairobi. The contact total rose from an initial 55 to 57, according to The Star. AFP's earlier reporting described 28 relatives and health workers, alongside 27 passengers and crew. Comparing 28 directly with 57 would therefore give a misleading impression that the overall contact list had doubled. ADVERTISEMENT The fatal imported case remains the starting point Kenya announced its first imported Bundibugyo Ebola case on Tuesday, 6 October. WHO's official account says the patient became ill in the Democratic Republic of Congo, travelled through Kampala and arrived in Nairobi on 3 October. The patient died at The Nairobi Hospital on Monday night, 5 October, and was buried on Tuesday. WHO confirmed positive samples at both the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute. The Standard reported that doctors had isolated the patient under infection-control measures after suspecting a viral haemorrhagic fever. The journey through Kampala does not, by itself, establish where exposure occurred. Uganda's earlier outbreak was declared over, as explained in XTRAfrica's report on WHO's August confirmation . That historical declaration should not be mistaken for a new assessment of every traveller's exposure. Screening continues, with 719 available for guidance KBC's update, explicitly sourced to the Ministry of Health , says surveillance has been heightened at 15 points of entry. Officials are also activating treatment centres at border points and planning regular response briefings. The ministry has urged the public to remain calm, follow official health guidance and use its toll-free 719 line for information about Ebola and other health concerns. People concerned about symptoms or possible exposure should contact health authorities for guidance. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Investment Kenya Plans $500M Startup Fund: How It Could Work . Crime Prevention Kenya Court Orders Agencies to Produce Missing Lawyer Abshir Abdi . Biography Mitchelle Chemtai Biography: Kenya's Youth Olympic Rugby Gold Hero . Biography Who Is Phoebe Okowa? Kenya's ICJ Judge, Age, Career and Education . Energy and Power Kenya, China Sign Deal for 80 Off-Grid Solar Systems . ADVERTISEMENT The World Health Organization's Ebola guidance explains that infection spreads through direct contact with infected blood or body fluids, or contaminated materials. Symptoms can appear between two and 21 days after infection, and an infected person cannot transmit the disease before symptoms begin. WHO recommends monitoring contacts for 21 days. Early symptoms can resemble other illnesses, making laboratory testing important. Early supportive care, including rehydration and treatment of symptoms, can improve survival. What the next response update needs to establish Contact tracing, testing and infection prevention remain central to the response. XTRAfrica's earlier coverage of Ebola measures in Oïcha and Africa CDC's regional response provides background on the wider health emergency; those reports are historical context, not today's case totals. The next Kenyan update should distinguish contacts identified, people reached, people monitored and laboratory-confirmed infections. Wednesday's figures establish a wider response, but they do not establish secondary transmission. Individual test results, the full follow-up status of all 57 contacts and an independently verified assessment of hospital readiness remain unclear in the available reports. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Investment Kenya Plans $500M Startup Fund: How It Could Work Kenya's NIFC wants to raise $500m for startups, with half targeted at technology and AI businesses. . Crime Prevention Kenya Court Orders Agencies to Produce Missing Lawyer Abshir Abdi A Nairobi judge demands answers after Abshir Abdi disappears; responsibility remains unproven. . Biography Mitchelle Chemtai Biography: Kenya's Youth Olympic Rugby Gold Hero The Kenyan Rising Lionesses player scored the extra-time try that won rugby sevens gold at Dakar 2026. . Biography Who Is Phoebe Okowa? Kenya's ICJ Judge, Age, Career and Education From the University of Nairobi to The Hague: the Kenyan judge's career and 2026 ICJ election. . Tags Kenya Kenya

  • Nursery Killings Suspect Okello Faces Final Court Submissions

    The Okello murder trial moves to final submissions after the defence closed its case without two expected witnesses. The murder trial of Christopher Onyum Okello is moving to final submissions after the defence formally closed its case, having failed to produce two additional witnesses before Ggaba mobile court on Monday, April 27, 2026 as citd by Nile post . Defence lawyer Richard Kumbuga told court that efforts to secure the remaining witnesses had not succeeded. According to th e report , the court was informed that the witnesses could not be reached. Presiding judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha noted that Okello had provided phone contacts but no physical addresses, making it difficult for court officials to trace the witnesses. The defence had presented three witnesses before asking for time to prepare final submissions. The case now shifts to closing arguments, after which three court assessors are expected to give their advisory opinions. Assessors in Uganda’s criminal trials provide non-binding views to help the judge evaluate the evidence. Okello faces four counts of murder over the April 2 killings of four toddlers at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre. The High Court had earlier ruled that he had a case to answer after the prosecution presented 18 witnesses. Prosecutors allege that Okello was responsible for the fatal attack. The motive claims remain prosecution allegations and have not been established as fact by the court. It is not yet clear whether judgment will be delivered immediately after submissions or fixed for a later date. The trial, however, is now approaching its final judicial stage. Continue Reading Full Article JUSTICE & CRIME Nursery Killings Suspect Okello Faces Final Court Submissions By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Apr 27, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The murder trial of Christopher Onyum Okello is moving to final submissions after the defence formally closed its case, having failed to produce two additional witnesses before Ggaba mobile court on Monday, April 27, 2026 as citd by Nile post . Defence lawyer Richard Kumbuga told court that efforts to secure the remaining witnesses had not succeeded. According to th e report , the court was informed that the witnesses could not be reached. ADVERTISEMENT Presiding judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha noted that Okello had provided phone contacts but no physical addresses, making it difficult for court officials to trace the witnesses. The defence had presented three witnesses before asking for time to prepare final submissions. The case now shifts to closing arguments, after which three court assessors are expected to give their advisory opinions. Assessors in Uganda’s criminal trials provide non-binding views to help the judge evaluate the evidence. ADVERTISEMENT Okello faces four counts of murder over the April 2 killings of four toddlers at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre. The High Court had earlier ruled that he had a case to answer after the prosecution presented 18 witnesses. Prosecutors allege that Okello was responsible for the fatal attack. The motive claims remain prosecution allegations and have not been established as fact by the court. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Political Appointments Muhoozi Clarifies Uganda CDF Exit Plan: Has He Resigned? . Industry UDC Breaks Ground on Shs29bn Packaging Plant at Namanve . Energy and Power Kenya Power Maintenance: Areas Affected on 5 November . Healthcare System Uganda Heart Institute Seeks Equipment for Naguru Hospital . Refugees and Migration Uganda's $328m DRDIP II: Refugee District Funds Under Scrutiny . ADVERTISEMENT It is not yet clear whether judgment will be delivered immediately after submissions or fixed for a later date. The trial, however, is now approaching its final judicial stage. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Political Appointments Muhoozi Clarifies Uganda CDF Exit Plan: Has He Resigned? Muhoozi says he may hand over Uganda's military command but has not announced a resignation date. . Industry UDC Breaks Ground on Shs29bn Packaging Plant at Namanve Pamoja factory targets 1,000+ jobs and Uganda’s $500m packaging import bill . Energy and Power Kenya Power Maintenance: Areas Affected on 5 November Scheduled interruptions cover selected areas in Nairobi, Kisii, Kiambu, Mombasa and Kilifi. . Healthcare System Uganda Heart Institute Seeks Equipment for Naguru Hospital The tender includes installation and staff training, with patient opening still a separate milestone. . Tags Uganda Uganda Yoweri K. Museveni Yoweri K. Museveni African Union African Union Crime & Justice Crime & Justice

  • FARDC to Issue Official Statement After Kisangani Drone Shootdown

    DR Congo's army shot down four armed drones, suspecting the M23 rebel group was behind the attack. An official statement is expected Monday. The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) on Saturday shot down four armed “kamikaze” drones about 10 kilometers from Kisangani’s Bangboka International Airport. According to local sources, a fifth drone crash-landed near the airport runway without causing any damage. The Congolese army suspects the rebel coalition known as AFC/M23 allied with elements of the Rwandan military was behind the attempted drone assault, and FARDC spokesperson Lt. Col. Mak Hazukay stated that an official army communication on the incident will be released This Monday as Okapi reported . No casualties have been reported in the incident, and authorities have urged residents to remain calm as security forces secure the area. Provincial officials revealed that the intercepted drones were loaded with munitions intended to cause significant human and material damage. By Monday, local authorities said a total of eight hostile drones had been detected and neutralized in the skies before reaching their targets, underscoring the scale of the threat. Congolese officials have directly blamed the attack on what they describe as a coalition of March 23 Movement (M23) rebels and Rwandan forces operating under the banner of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC). M23 Rebel Coalition and Eastern DRC Conflict The March 23 Movement (M23) is a predominantly Tutsi-led rebel group at the center of renewed conflict in eastern DRC. In late 2023, M23 and several allied militias formed a broader coalition known as the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) . The Congolese army has been battling the M23 insurgency for over two years, amid allegations by Kinshasa, the United Nations, and Western governments that Rwanda backs the M23 rebels with troops and weaponry , an accusation Rwanda denies. (Rwandan officials in turn claim that DRC harbors anti-Rwanda rebels, highlighting the mutual distrust in the region.) The fighting involving M23 and other armed groups has displaced huge numbers of civilians, driving over 1.7 million people from their homes in North Kivu province alone and bringing the total displaced in DRC’s conflicts to a record 7.2 million as of last year. This rebel coalition’s presence and territorial advances in mineral-rich eastern Congo have greatly exacerbated regional instability and humanitarian suffering. Broader Security Implications The drone shootdown near Kisangani a city far from the traditional eastern combat zones – has raised alarm about the expanding reach of the conflict and the evolving tactics of the combatants. Kisangani is located in Tshopo province, hundreds of kilometers west of the M23’s usual areas of operation, so an attempted attack there suggests a bold effort to project violence deeper into government-controlled territory. The use of unmanned “kamikaze” drones in this incident underscores a new dimension of the war, as both the Congolese military and rebel groups appear to be increasingly turning to drone technology in their offensives. Protecting critical infrastructure (such as international airports) even in regions previously considered secure is now a pressing concern for the FARDC at a national level. The incident also carries regional security implications . It comes at a time of highly strained relations between the DRC and neighboring Rwanda over the M23 rebellion. Congolese authorities have characterized the drone attacks as a deliberate attempt to sabotage ongoing peace efforts , including a U.S.-mediated peace agreement aimed at ending the conflict. “These attacks demonstrate the will of Rwanda to derail diplomatic efforts in progress, notably the Washington peace accord,” the Tshopo provincial spokesman, Senold Tandia, said of the Kisangani incident. Continue Reading Full Article WAR IN EASTERN DRC FARDC to Issue Official Statement After Kisangani Drone Shootdown By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Feb 2, 2026 May 15, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) on Saturday shot down four armed “kamikaze” drones about 10 kilometers from Kisangani’s Bangboka International Airport. According to local sources, a fifth drone crash-landed near the airport runway without causing any damage. The Congolese army suspects the rebel coalition known as AFC/M23 allied with elements of the Rwandan military was behind the attempted drone assault, and FARDC spokesperson Lt. Col. Mak Hazukay stated that an official army communication on the incident will be released This Monday as Okapi reported . No casualties have been reported in the incident, and authorities have urged residents to remain calm as security forces secure the area. Provincial officials revealed that the intercepted drones were loaded with munitions intended to cause significant human and material damage. By Monday, local authorities said a total of eight hostile drones had been detected and neutralized in the skies before reaching their targets, underscoring the scale of the threat. Congolese officials have directly blamed the attack on what they describe as a coalition of March 23 Movement (M23) rebels and Rwandan forces operating under the banner of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC). ADVERTISEMENT M23 Rebel Coalition and Eastern DRC Conflict The March 23 Movement (M23) is a predominantly Tutsi-led rebel group at the center of renewed conflict in eastern DRC. In late 2023, M23 and several allied militias formed a broader coalition known as the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) . The Congolese army has been battling the M23 insurgency for over two years, amid allegations by Kinshasa, the United Nations, and Western governments that Rwanda backs the M23 rebels with troops and weaponry , an accusation Rwanda denies. (Rwandan officials in turn claim that DRC harbors anti-Rwanda rebels, highlighting the mutual distrust in the region.) The fighting involving M23 and other armed groups has displaced huge numbers of civilians, driving over 1.7 million people from their homes in North Kivu province alone and bringing the total displaced in DRC’s conflicts to a record 7.2 million as of last year. This rebel coalition’s presence and territorial advances in mineral-rich eastern Congo have greatly exacerbated regional instability and humanitarian suffering. Broader Security Implications The drone shootdown near Kisangani a city far from the traditional eastern combat zones – has raised alarm about the expanding reach of the conflict and the evolving tactics of the combatants. Kisangani is located in Tshopo province, hundreds of kilometers west of the M23’s usual areas of operation, so an attempted attack there suggests a bold effort to project violence deeper into government-controlled territory. ADVERTISEMENT The use of unmanned “kamikaze” drones in this incident underscores a new dimension of the war, as both the Congolese military and rebel groups appear to be increasingly turning to drone technology in their offensives. Protecting critical infrastructure (such as international airports) even in regions previously considered secure is now a pressing concern for the FARDC at a national level. The incident also carries regional security implications . It comes at a time of highly strained relations between the DRC and neighboring Rwanda over the M23 rebellion. Congolese authorities have characterized the drone attacks as a deliberate attempt to sabotage ongoing peace efforts , including a U.S.-mediated peace agreement aimed at ending the conflict. “These attacks demonstrate the will of Rwanda to derail diplomatic efforts in progress, notably the Washington peace accord,” the Tshopo provincial spokesman, Senold Tandia, said of the Kisangani incident. Kinshasa has repeatedly called for greater international involvement, and the provincial government on Monday urged the global community to adopt a firmer stance against what it terms foreign aggression, arguing that verbal condemnations are no longer sufficient after nearly thirty years of instability and cross-border violence. This plea reflects a broader frustration in the DRC that regional peace deals and ceasefires have not yet translated into lasting security on the ground. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Policy and Reforms DRC Assembly Backs $625m for Schools, Businesses and Health . Economic Policies DRC Creates Deposit Guarantee Fund to Protect Bank Customers . Social Service DRC Moves to Bring More Public Workers Onto the Payroll . Development DRC Plans $440 Million for Rural Water, Electricity and Infrastructure . Opposition Politics Why C64 Plans a July 8 March to Demand Tshisekedi's Resignation . ADVERTISEMENT As the FARDC prepares to issue its official statement on Monday, observers will be watching for any evidence the military presents about the origin of the drones and the response measures it plans to take. The expected communiqué could shed light on how the Congolese army intends to address this unprecedented incursion near Kisangani and prevent similar attacks in the future. For now, the quick action by FARDC air defense units to shoot down the drones averted casualties and damage, but the incident has spotlighted the wider conflict’s ability to threaten the DRC’s interior and the fragility of regional peace efforts. The government’s narrative pinning blame on Rwanda and the M23/AFC rebels is likely to further inflame diplomatic tensions, even as diplomatic channels remain crucial to resolving the crisis. Source : Radio okapi ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Policy and Reforms DRC Assembly Backs $625m for Schools, Businesses and Health Lawmakers back four financing bills supporting entrepreneurs, primary education, maternal health . Economic Policies DRC Creates Deposit Guarantee Fund to Protect Bank Customers DRC approves FGADEC, a national deposit-guarantee fund designed to protect eligible savings, . Social Service DRC Moves to Bring More Public Workers Onto the Payroll DRC plans to make salary inclusion a 2027 budget priority, aiming to progressively bring eligible . Development DRC Plans $440 Million for Rural Water, Electricity and Infrastructure DRC plans more than $440 million in its 2027 budget for rural water, electricity and basic . Tags DRC Politics DRC Politics DR.Congo DR.Congo African Union African Union DRC Politics DRC Politics DRC Peace Efforts DRC Peace Efforts M23 Rebels M23 Rebels

  • Jordin Sparks to Headline Lagos Artistic Pulse Festival 2025

    American singer Jordin Sparks will headline the Artistic Pulse Festival in Lagos, showcasing sustainable creativity across music, fashion and trade. American singer and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks has been confirmed as the headline act for the forthcoming Artistic Pulse Festival (APF), scheduled to take place in Lagos as a five-day celebration of creativity, sustainability and commerce. The festival, themed “Footprints of Interconnectivity, Growth and Expansion: Creativity, Culture, Commerce and Innovation,” is convened by Dr Ngozi Omambala, Founder and CEO of NMO Management Limited. She described APF as Africa’s first sustainable recycling festival, designed to unite artists, entrepreneurs, innovators and cultural stakeholders within a waste-free ecosystem. According to Omambala, the event will feature music performances, fashion exhibitions, Nollywood film screenings and art installations, all driven by a sustainability framework. The programme will also include a Children’s Corner and Art Play Zone, offering interactive creative activities aimed at nurturing eco-conscious young creators. Beyond entertainment, APF will host symposiums, panel discussions and creative industry workshops, bringing together thought leaders to explore the link between culture, commerce and sustainable development. A central attraction of the festival is the Pan African 11th Annual Music Fashion Runway (MFR), a platform showcasing African designers, international models and performers in a blend of haute couture and live music. The runway has been positioned as a key fixture on the continent’s fashion calendar. The APF Trade Fair, supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, will provide visibility for small and medium enterprises in fashion, food and technology, offering opportunities for investor engagement and export growth. Omambala noted that the festival aims to strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy and enhance non-oil exports, citing its potential to unlock significant revenue while creating jobs and supporting tourism. Jordin Sparks’ performance is expected to draw a diverse audience and reinforce the festival’s global appeal. Organisers say her appearance symbolises growing international recognition of Africa’s creative industry and its capacity for cross-cultural collaboration. Industry stakeholders, including representatives of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have stressed the importance of promoting locally made products and preserving cultural identity as Nigeria advances towards a sustainable economic future. The Artistic Pulse Festival is positioned as a platform to showcase the depth of Nigeria’s creative talent while fostering economic empowerment and cultural preservation. Continue Reading Full Article MUSICS Jordin Sparks to Headline Lagos Artistic Pulse Festival 2025 By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Nov 28, 2025 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: American singer and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks has been confirmed as the headline act for the forthcoming Artistic Pulse Festival (APF), scheduled to take place in Lagos as a five-day celebration of creativity, sustainability and commerce. The festival, themed “Footprints of Interconnectivity, Growth and Expansion: Creativity, Culture, Commerce and Innovation,” is convened by Dr Ngozi Omambala, Founder and CEO of NMO Management Limited. She described APF as Africa’s first sustainable recycling festival, designed to unite artists, entrepreneurs, innovators and cultural stakeholders within a waste-free ecosystem. According to Omambala, the event will feature music performances, fashion exhibitions, Nollywood film screenings and art installations, all driven by a sustainability framework. The programme will also include a Children’s Corner and Art Play Zone, offering interactive creative activities aimed at nurturing eco-conscious young creators. ADVERTISEMENT Beyond entertainment, APF will host symposiums, panel discussions and creative industry workshops, bringing together thought leaders to explore the link between culture, commerce and sustainable development. A central attraction of the festival is the Pan African 11th Annual Music Fashion Runway (MFR), a platform showcasing African designers, international models and performers in a blend of haute couture and live music. The runway has been positioned as a key fixture on the continent’s fashion calendar. The APF Trade Fair, supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, will provide visibility for small and medium enterprises in fashion, food and technology, offering opportunities for investor engagement and export growth. ADVERTISEMENT Omambala noted that the festival aims to strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy and enhance non-oil exports, citing its potential to unlock significant revenue while creating jobs and supporting tourism. Jordin Sparks’ performance is expected to draw a diverse audience and reinforce the festival’s global appeal. Organisers say her appearance symbolises growing international recognition of Africa’s creative industry and its capacity for cross-cultural collaboration. Industry stakeholders, including representatives of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have stressed the importance of promoting locally made products and preserving cultural identity as Nigeria advances towards a sustainable economic future. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today African Culture Vyroota Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Rise from Kireka . Entertainment Seputla Sebogodi Dies: Cause of Death and Biography . Investment Deals Burundi-Washington Nickel Deal Signals Great Lakes Strategic Shift . Afrobeats Ekunrawo and Jux Release New Afro-R&B Collaboration ‘Halima’ . Musics Bobi Wine Declined 10% Stake Offer in Uganda’s Galaxy FM . ADVERTISEMENT The Artistic Pulse Festival is positioned as a platform to showcase the depth of Nigeria’s creative talent while fostering economic empowerment and cultural preservation. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles African Culture Vyroota Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Rise from Kireka Discover Vyroota’s age, family roots, breakthrough songs, award and journey from Kireka. . Entertainment Seputla Sebogodi Dies: Cause of Death and Biography Veteran Generations actor Seputla Sebogodi died after complications related to diabetes . Investment Deals Burundi-Washington Nickel Deal Signals Great Lakes Strategic Shift Burundi’s Washington nickel agreement sharpens Great Lakes competition over critical minerals. . Afrobeats Ekunrawo and Jux Release New Afro-R&B Collaboration ‘Halima’ Nigerian singer Ekunrawo partners with Tanzanian star Jux on the cross-border single ‘Halima’. . Tags African Entertainment African Entertainment

  • DRC Takes Rwanda Compliance Dispute to UNGA Over Resolution 2773

    At UNGA81, Judith Suminwa called for enforcement of Resolution 2773, independent verification and consequences for violations in eastern DRC. NEW YORK — September 23, 2026 — Democratic Republic of the Congo Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka used the podium of the 81st United Nations General Assembly to press for implementation of existing international commitments on the conflict in eastern DRC, arguing that the priority is no longer adopting new texts but enforcing those already agreed. Speaking on behalf of President Félix Tshisekedi, Suminwa pointed to UN Security Council Resolution 2773 (2025), the Washington peace agreement, the Doha process and the African Union framework as mechanisms that now need to produce measurable results on the ground. We are not waiting for new texts to replace those that have already been adopted. We are waiting for their implementation,” Suminwa said, according to Congolese reporting on the address. Suminwa puts Resolution 2773 at center of DRC message Resolution 2773 was unanimously adopted by the UN Security Council on February 21, 2025. It condemned M23's offensives in North and South Kivu with the support of the Rwanda Defence Forces and called on the RDF to cease support for M23 and immediately withdraw from Congolese territory without preconditions. It also requires M23 to cease hostilities, withdraw from areas under its control and reverse the establishment of parallel administrations. At the same time, the resolution calls for the DRC to end support by its military forces to armed groups, particularly the FDLR, and urgently implement commitments to neutralize the group. Suminwa told the General Assembly that, despite the diplomatic frameworks established since then, peace remains a promise rather than a reality for millions of Congolese. She cited the resolution's requirements for an effective cessation of hostilities, withdrawal of Rwandan forces, an end to support for armed groups, AFC/M23 disengagement, dismantling of parallel administrations, restoration of state authority, unhindered humanitarian access and the safe return of displaced people and refugees. Kinshasa wants verification and consequences for violations Continue Reading Full Article PEACE FOR DRC NOW DRC Takes Rwanda Compliance Dispute to UNGA Over Resolution 2773 By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Sep 24, 2026 Sep 25, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: NEW YORK — September 23, 2026 — Democratic Republic of the Congo Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka used the podium of the 81st United Nations General Assembly to press for implementation of existing international commitments on the conflict in eastern DRC, arguing that the priority is no longer adopting new texts but enforcing those already agreed. Speaking on behalf of President Félix Tshisekedi, Suminwa pointed to UN Security Council Resolution 2773 (2025), the Washington peace agreement, the Doha process and the African Union framework as mechanisms that now need to produce measurable results on the ground. We are not waiting for new texts to replace those that have already been adopted. We are waiting for their implementation,” Suminwa said, according to Congolese reporting on the address. Suminwa puts Resolution 2773 at center of DRC message Resolution 2773 was unanimously adopted by the UN Security Council on February 21, 2025. It condemned M23's offensives in North and South Kivu with the support of the Rwanda Defence Forces and called on the RDF to cease support for M23 and immediately withdraw from Congolese territory without preconditions. It also requires M23 to cease hostilities, withdraw from areas under its control and reverse the establishment of parallel administrations. At the same time, the resolution calls for the DRC to end support by its military forces to armed groups, particularly the FDLR, and urgently implement commitments to neutralize the group. ADVERTISEMENT Suminwa told the General Assembly that, despite the diplomatic frameworks established since then, peace remains a promise rather than a reality for millions of Congolese. She cited the resolution's requirements for an effective cessation of hostilities, withdrawal of Rwandan forces, an end to support for armed groups, AFC/M23 disengagement, dismantling of parallel administrations, restoration of state authority, unhindered humanitarian access and the safe return of displaced people and refugees. Kinshasa wants verification and consequences for violations Suminwa called for the Washington, Doha and African Union mechanisms to be implemented in a coordinated manner. Her proposals included a clear implementation timetable, independent verification, regular information-sharing and consequences when commitments are violated. Congolese coverage of the speech described this as a push to move beyond diplomatic declarations and toward mechanisms capable of determining whether the parties are actually complying with what they have signed. The message places compliance and verification at the center of Kinshasa's diplomatic strategy: existing agreements, the government argues, should be measured against developments on the ground rather than replaced by another round of declarations. ADVERTISEMENT FDLR also addressed Suminwa also addressed the FDLR issue, which Rwanda has repeatedly cited as a security concern. The Prime Minister said the DRC was assuming its responsibilities regarding the group. She referred to a May 30, 2026 protocol providing for disarmament, demobilization and cantonment of FDLR members ahead of repatriation or relocation, as well as the September 8 repatriation of 120 people associated with the FDLR with MONUSCO support. Kinshasa's position is that implementation of its commitments concerning the FDLR should not be used to postpone the other obligations contained in the peace arrangements and Resolution 2773. What Resolution 2773 actually says The Security Council calls on the Rwanda Defence Forces to cease support for M23 and withdraw immediately and without preconditions from the DRC. It requires M23 to cease hostilities and withdraw from controlled areas. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Policy and Reforms US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . War in Eastern DRC Muyaya: Congo's War Has Nothing to Do With the Constitution . Justice & Crime Trump Moves to Remove Rwanda and South Africa From AGOA . Justice & Crime Rwanda Accused of Deporting Congolese Civilians in South Kivu . Diplomacy Tshisekedi, Putin Seal Three DRC- Russia Cooperation Deals . ADVERTISEMENT The resolution also calls for an end to support from Congolese military forces to specified armed groups, particularly the FDLR, and for urgent implementation of commitments to neutralize that group. DRC says the issue is now implementation Suminwa's UNGA81 intervention shifts the emphasis from negotiating additional declarations to enforcing commitments already on the books. For Kinshasa, the test is whether the Washington agreement, Doha process, African Union mechanisms and Resolution 2773 can translate into verifiable changes in eastern DRC. The Prime Minister's message was that implementation should come with timelines, independent verification and consequences for breaches. The address was delivered on Wednesday, September 23, during the UN General Assembly's general debate in New York. WATCH FULL SPEECH VIA RTNC ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Policy and Reforms US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty Will Democrats support Kagame after the 2026 midterms? Blinken's statements, Biden's Rwanda policy . War in Eastern DRC Muyaya: Congo's War Has Nothing to Do With the Constitution In London, the DRC government spokesperson rejects constitutional politics as a cause of the eastern . Justice & Crime Trump Moves to Remove Rwanda and South Africa From AGOA Trump plans to remove Rwanda and South Africa from AGOA trade benefits starting January 1, 2027 . Justice & Crime Rwanda Accused of Deporting Congolese Civilians in South Kivu South Kivu accuses Rwandan forces and M23 of forcibly displacing civilians in Katogota, . Tags DRC Conflict & Security DRC Conflict & Security DR.Congo DR.Congo Peace For DRC Now Peace For DRC Now Featured News Featured News

  • Ghana Hold Brazil: What They Need Against Canada to Qualify

    Ghana’s 3–3 draw with Brazil keeps their U17 World Cup hopes alive. Here is what a win, draw or defeat against Canada would mean for qualification. RABAT, Morocco, 22 October 2026 — Ghana’s 3–3 draw with Brazil on 21 October kept the Black Maidens in contention at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, but left them needing victory against Canada on Saturday, 24 October. A draw or defeat would eliminate Ghana; a win would keep open both a top-two finish and the third-place route to the knockout stage. The Ghana Football Association’s match account confirms Ghana have one point from two matches, following their opening 3–0 defeat by Norway. Priscilla Mensah’s equaliser five minutes from time rescued their first point against Brazil. What do Ghana need to qualify after drawing with Brazil? Ghana must beat Canada to reach four points. A Brazil victory over Norway would then secure Ghana second place. Other outcomes could leave Ghana dependent on group tie-breakers or the best-third-place comparison. A draw or defeat against Canada would leave Ghana fourth and eliminated. Where Group C stands Canada’s result matters as much as Ghana’s comeback. Concacaf confirms Canada beat Norway 3–2 on 21 October, collecting their first three points. The Canadian federation’s tournament match record also records their opening 6–2 loss to Brazil. Those four completed results produce this points picture before the final group matches: Canada and Norway are level on points, with Canada holding the head-to-head advantage after their meeting. Ghana cannot finish above either team without adding three points in their own final game. Under the competition format explained by Concacaf , the first two teams in each of six groups advance to the round of 16, together with the four best third-placed sides. Finishing third therefore offers a second route, but does not itself guarantee progress. A win gives Ghana a chance; a draw ends it Continue Reading Full Article SPORTS TRENDS Ghana Hold Brazil: What They Need Against Canada to Qualify By Kamau Bahati Entertainment Editor Kamau Bahati Home Comment Oct 22, 2026 Oct 22, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: RABAT, Morocco, 22 October 2026 — Ghana’s 3–3 draw with Brazil on 21 October kept the Black Maidens in contention at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, but left them needing victory against Canada on Saturday, 24 October. A draw or defeat would eliminate Ghana; a win would keep open both a top-two finish and the third-place route to the knockout stage. The Ghana Football Association’s match account confirms Ghana have one point from two matches, following their opening 3–0 defeat by Norway. Priscilla Mensah’s equaliser five minutes from time rescued their first point against Brazil. What do Ghana need to qualify after drawing with Brazil? Ghana must beat Canada to reach four points. A Brazil victory over Norway would then secure Ghana second place. Other outcomes could leave Ghana dependent on group tie-breakers or the best-third-place comparison. A draw or defeat against Canada would leave Ghana fourth and eliminated. Where Group C stands Canada’s result matters as much as Ghana’s comeback. Concacaf confirms Canada beat Norway 3–2 on 21 October, collecting their first three points. The Canadian federation’s tournament match record also records their opening 6–2 loss to Brazil. Those four completed results produce this points picture before the final group matches: ADVERTISEMENT Canada and Norway are level on points, with Canada holding the head-to-head advantage after their meeting. Ghana cannot finish above either team without adding three points in their own final game. Under the competition format explained by Concacaf , the first two teams in each of six groups advance to the round of 16, together with the four best third-placed sides. Finishing third therefore offers a second route, but does not itself guarantee progress. A win gives Ghana a chance; a draw ends it The following scenarios are calculations from the points above, rather than predictions of either match. There is no route through a draw because all three opponents would finish with more points. Results in other groups cannot rescue a fourth-placed team. Ghana’s result against Canada Ghana’s final points Consequence Win 4 Ghana finish above Canada and remain in contention for second or third Draw 2 Canada reach four; Brazil already have four and Norway three, leaving Ghana fourth Defeat 1 Ghana remain fourth and are eliminated If Ghana win and Brazil beat Norway, the position is straightforward: Brazil finish on seven points, Ghana on four, and Canada and Norway on three. Ghana would qualify directly in second place without needing a comparison with another group. ADVERTISEMENT A draw between Brazil and Norway would put Brazil on five and Norway on four. With a Ghana victory also taking the Black Maidens to four, Norway’s earlier win over Ghana would place Norway ahead on head-to-head results. Ghana would finish third and enter the comparison across groups. If Norway beat Brazil and Ghana beat Canada, Norway would finish on six points while Brazil and Ghana would both have four. Their 3–3 meeting would not separate them, so further tie-breakers would decide second and third. The winning margins could become important. How the tie-breakers work The tournament regulations summarised by U.S. Soccer put head-to-head results first when teams finish level on points. Goal difference and goals scored in matches between the tied teams follow. If that does not separate them, overall group goal difference, overall goals scored, fair-play points and finally drawing lots apply. The separate ranking of third-placed teams starts with points, then overall goal difference and goals scored, followed by fair play and drawing lots. Four points would give Ghana a position to compare; it would not automatically settle that comparison before the relevant results are complete. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Job & Opportunity Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Tech Trends Mahama Backs TraffiTech, Calls for Speed-Camera Warning Signs . Transport and Logistics Ghana Transport Shutdown Claim: What Is Confirmed? . Community Safety TraffiTech-GH Motorist Guide: Tickets, Payments and Appeals . Business & Investment Ghana textile policy: from investment targets to factory work . ADVERTISEMENT The comeback that preserved Ghana’s route Ghana’s point came from a match in which both sides held the lead. Rafia Osman and Gloria Ameaa scored Ghana’s first two goals, before Mensah’s late intervention brought them level again. MyJoy’s match report describes a response that kept their campaign alive after the opening defeat. Canada arrive with their own momentum. Reed Tingley scored twice against Norway, while Adalyn Fairweather supplied the third Canadian goal. Ghana will be facing a side that has already recovered from a heavy opening loss to win its next game. Saturday’s task is consequently clear: Ghana need three points first. Brazil–Norway will then determine whether the Black Maidens can take a direct top-two place or must wait on the third-place qualification picture. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Job & Opportunity Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs Certificate recognition could widen opportunities, but hiring and Canadian approvals remain separate. . Tech Trends Mahama Backs TraffiTech, Calls for Speed-Camera Warning Signs President defends road-safety cameras as drivers question fines, signage and road conditions. . Transport and Logistics Ghana Transport Shutdown Claim: What Is Confirmed? Operators threatened to park vehicles over TraffiTech-GH; a nationwide stoppage is unconfirmed. . Community Safety TraffiTech-GH Motorist Guide: Tickets, Payments and Appeals How to check a traffic notice, review the evidence and respond within the stated deadline. . Tags Ghana News Ghana News Breaking News Breaking News Ghana Ghana

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