FARDC says M23-linked forces shelled Minembwe Highlands in South Kivu, causing civilian casualties amid renewed tensions. The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) say they are preparing a response after accusing RDF/AFC-M23 forces of carrying out heavy bombardments in the Minembwe Highlands of South Kivu province, attacks that reportedly caused several civilian casualties. According to an official army statement released Tuesday and reported by Beto.cd , the shelling targeted several localities in the Fizi territory, including Kalonge 2 and the “Point Zero” sector. FARDC deputy spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mak Mongba Hazukay said the attacks directly struck populated areas in the highlands, with a provisional toll indicating that most victims were civilians. The army added that debris collected from the scene suggested the bombardment was aimed at both military positions and civilian homes. The reported attack comes as eastern Congo remains under pressure from renewed clashes involving the AFC/M23 coalition, which Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting allegations Kigali continues to deny. Regional tensions have intensified despite diplomatic initiatives linked to the Doha peace process and recent Washington-backed discussions aimed at reducing hostilities. The Minembwe Highlands have long been a strategic and contested zone in South Kivu because of their location near several armed group corridors and community tensions. Rights groups and international observers have repeatedly warned that escalating violence in eastern Congo is worsening civilian displacement and humanitarian risks, particularly in conflict-hit areas across North and South Kivu, according to recent reporting by AP News . In its statement, the Congolese army said it would not cede territory and vowed to continue operations against armed groups operating in the region. “The army remains fully committed to its mission of protecting territorial integrity. All necessary measures are being taken to respond and confront the threat,” the FARDC stated. Continue Reading Full Article WAR IN DR CONGO FARDC Vows Response After Minembwe Highlands Shelling by M23 By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment May 20, 2026 May 20, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) say they are preparing a response after accusing RDF/AFC-M23 forces of carrying out heavy bombardments in the Minembwe Highlands of South Kivu province, attacks that reportedly caused several civilian casualties. According to an official army statement released Tuesday and reported by Beto.cd , the shelling targeted several localities in the Fizi territory, including Kalonge 2 and the “Point Zero” sector. FARDC deputy spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mak Mongba Hazukay said the attacks directly struck populated areas in the highlands, with a provisional toll indicating that most victims were civilians. The army added that debris collected from the scene suggested the bombardment was aimed at both military positions and civilian homes. ADVERTISEMENT The reported attack comes as eastern Congo remains under pressure from renewed clashes involving the AFC/M23 coalition, which Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting allegations Kigali continues to deny. Regional tensions have intensified despite diplomatic initiatives linked to the Doha peace process and recent Washington-backed discussions aimed at reducing hostilities. The Minembwe Highlands have long been a strategic and contested zone in South Kivu because of their location near several armed group corridors and community tensions. ADVERTISEMENT Rights groups and international observers have repeatedly warned that escalating violence in eastern Congo is worsening civilian displacement and humanitarian risks, particularly in conflict-hit areas across North and South Kivu, according to recent reporting by AP News . In its statement, the Congolese army said it would not cede territory and vowed to continue operations against armed groups operating in the region. 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 “The army remains fully committed to its mission of protecting territorial integrity. All necessary measures are being taken to respond and confront the threat,” the FARDC stated. 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 DR Congo News DR Congo News RwandanTroops in DRC RwandanTroops in DRC DRC Politics DRC Politics

How to check your SARS Auto Assessment for Filing Season 2026 on SOQS, eFiling, WhatsApp or MobiApp, and what to do next. SARS issued 2026 auto-assessment notices to selected taxpayers between 1 and 12 July 2026. If you were selected, you can check the result through SARS eFiling, the SARS MobiApp, the online Auto Assessment Status service or SARS WhatsApp. If the assessment is complete and correct, you do not need to accept it or submit an ITR12 tax return. If information is missing or wrong, you must correct the information and submit an updated return by your applicable filing deadline. Quick answer To check your SARS auto assessment for 2026: Go directly to the official SARS eFiling website . Sign in using your username, password and two-factor authentication. Open your 2026 Personal Income Tax information. View or download the ITA34 Notice of Assessment. Compare the income, tax, deductions, credits, personal details and banking information with your own records. If everything is correct, do nothing further. Continue Reading Full Article TAX AND REVENUE SARS Auto Assessment 2026: How to Check and What to Do By The Editorial Staff Public Services The Editorial Staff Home Comment Aug 27, 2026 Aug 28, 2026 25 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: SARS issued 2026 auto-assessment notices to selected taxpayers between 1 and 12 July 2026. If you were selected, you can check the result through SARS eFiling, the SARS MobiApp, the online Auto Assessment Status service or SARS WhatsApp. If the assessment is complete and correct, you do not need to accept it or submit an ITR12 tax return. If information is missing or wrong, you must correct the information and submit an updated return by your applicable filing deadline. Quick answer To check your SARS auto assessment for 2026: Go directly to the official SARS eFiling website . Sign in using your username, password and two-factor authentication. Open your 2026 Personal Income Tax information. View or download the ITA34 Notice of Assessment. Compare the income, tax, deductions, credits, personal details and banking information with your own records. If everything is correct, do nothing further. If anything is missing or incorrect, correct the information and submit the 2026 ITR12 through eFiling or the SARS MobiApp before the relevant deadline. You can also check whether you were selected using the SARS Auto Assessment Status tool or WhatsApp on 0800 11 7277. Important SARS auto-assessment dates for 2026 SARS confirms these dates on its official 2026 Filing Season page . Most salaried individuals who need to correct an auto-assessment must submit their ITR12 by 23 October 2026. An eligible provisional taxpayer who was auto-assessed has until 22 January 2027 to amend and submit the return. What is a SARS auto assessment? A SARS auto assessment is an income-tax assessment prepared automatically from information SARS already holds. That information can come from: Employers Banks and investment institutions Medical schemes Retirement funds Insurers Other approved third-party data providers SARS uses the available records to prepopulate the taxpayer’s return, calculate the tax result and issue an ITA34 Notice of Assessment. The outcome may show: A refund owed to the taxpayer An amount the taxpayer must pay SARS A zero assessment, meaning neither SARS nor the taxpayer owes money SARS expected to issue approximately six million auto assessments during the 2026 process. It also extended auto assessments to certain eligible provisional taxpayers for the first time in the 2026 filing season. The process is explained in the official SARS auto-assessment guide . How to check your SARS auto assessment online There are four official ways to check. Option 1: Check through SARS eFiling Open the official SARS eFiling login page . Enter your eFiling username and password. Complete the required two-factor authentication step. Open your Personal Income Tax profile. Select the 2026 tax year. Open the assessment or return information available for that year. Download or view the ITA34 Notice of Assessment. The exact menu wording may differ slightly depending on whether you use the standard eFiling view or a mobile device. The important document is the ITA34, because it shows the assessment outcome and whether SARS requires any action. Option 2: Use the SARS MobiApp Open the official SARS MobiApp. Sign in to your taxpayer profile. Open the Personal Income Tax section. Select the 2026 tax year. View the assessment and ITA34. The app can also be used to submit a corrected return, update certain details, upload requested supporting documents and monitor the return. Option 3: Use the SARS online status checker Open the official Auto Assessment Lookup page . Follow the prompts and provide the required identifying information. This status service can confirm whether SARS selected you for auto assessment. Use eFiling or the MobiApp to examine the detailed figures and the full ITA34. Option 4: Check on SARS WhatsApp SARS introduced an auto-assessment status option on WhatsApp for the 2026 filing season. Save 0800 11 7277 as the SARS WhatsApp number. Start a new WhatsApp conversation. Send a greeting such as “Hi” or “Hello.” Choose Auto Assess Status from the options. Enter your ID or passport number and tax reference number when requested. Review the status displayed after authentication. SARS also allows taxpayers to access an ITA34 and Statement of Account through its official WhatsApp service. Never provide an eFiling password, banking PIN or one-time PIN in a WhatsApp conversation. What should you check on the ITA34? Do not assume that an auto assessment is correct simply because SARS calculated it automatically. Compare it with the certificates and records you received for the tax year. 1. Personal and contact details Check your: Full name and identity information Tax reference number Residential address Email address Cellphone number Tax-residency information Incorrect contact details can prevent you from receiving important notices or security alerts. 2. Banking details Confirm that the bank account belongs to you, is open and can receive payments. An old, closed or unverified account may delay a refund. Banking details can be checked through eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. On eFiling, SARS also provides an Update My Personal Income Tax Bank Account option. 3. Employment income and PAYE Compare the assessment with every IRP5 or IT3(a) certificate received from an employer. ADVERTISEMENT Check: Salary and wage income Bonuses and allowances PAYE deducted Fringe benefits Employer and employee details Income from more than one employer People who changed jobs or worked for multiple employers should make sure that no certificate is missing. 4. Medical-scheme information Compare the assessment with the medical-scheme tax certificate. Check: Number of members or dependants Contribution amounts Medical-scheme tax credits Qualifying out-of-pocket medical expenses, where applicable 5. Retirement-fund contributions Confirm that pension, provident-fund and retirement-annuity contributions are accurately reflected. Use the relevant employer certificate or retirement-annuity contribution certificate when checking the amounts. 6. Bank and investment income Check interest, dividends and other investment information against the certificates supplied by the bank or investment provider. If you have several accounts, make sure each relevant certificate is reflected. 7. Other income and disposals An auto assessment may not contain information that SARS did not receive from a third party. You may need to declare items such as: Rental income Business or freelance income Foreign income Capital gains or losses Property, share or crypto-asset disposals Income from a partnership Other taxable receipts Do not leave out income merely because it is absent from the prepopulated assessment. 8. Deductions and tax credits Check whether all deductions and credits for which you qualify are included and supported by records. Depending on your circumstances, these may involve: Retirement-annuity contributions Medical expenses Approved donations Travel-allowance claims supported by a logbook Qualifying home-office expenses Business or rental expenses Foreign-tax credits Only claim amounts that meet the tax rules and can be supported if SARS requests evidence. What to do if the auto assessment is correct If all information is complete and correct, no further action is required. You do not need to: Click an “accept” button Submit an ITR12 Visit a SARS branch Call SARS merely to confirm acceptance SARS will treat the assessment as final unless it is later changed through an authorised process. You should still: Save the ITA34 and Statement of Account. Keep your tax certificates and supporting records. Check whether the outcome is a refund, debt or zero assessment. Confirm that your banking details are correct if a refund is due. Pay by the due date shown by SARS if the assessment creates a debt. What to do if information is wrong or missing If you disagree because the assessment is incomplete or inaccurate, do not ignore it and do not simply wait for SARS to change it. Correct the information and submit an updated ITR12 through eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. f third-party information is wrong You generally cannot directly overwrite third-party data used by SARS, such as information submitted by an employer, medical scheme, bank or retirement fund. Instead: Contact the institution that issued the certificate. Explain which information is incorrect. Ask the institution to correct its submission to SARS. Wait for confirmation that the corrected information was submitted. Refresh or reopen the return on eFiling or the MobiApp. Check that the corrected data now appears. Complete and submit the updated ITR12. Examples include an incorrect IRP5, missing medical-scheme contributions or inaccurate retirement-annuity information. If income or a deduction is missing Complete the return and add the information that SARS did not prepopulate, where the return permits you to do so. Keep the documents supporting every change. SARS may select the return for verification or audit. Filing deadlines for corrections Non-provisional taxpayer: Submit by 23 October 2026. Provisional taxpayer: Submit by 22 January 2027. Do not wait until the last day if an employer, bank or medical scheme must first correct a certificate. ADVERTISEMENT Correction or objection: which one should you use? These are not the same process. Situation Usual action Auto assessment is missing income or deductions Complete and submit the ITR12 by the filing deadline Employer, bank, medical scheme or fund submitted wrong data Ask the provider to correct it, refresh the return and submit the ITR12 You made an error in a return already submitted and correction is available Use Request for Correction SARS completed a verification or audit and you dispute its decision Consider a formal objection SARS issued a decision and you need reasons before objecting Request reasons through the prescribed process SARS says a formal dispute must generally be initiated within 80 business days from the assessment or decision. An appeal against an objection outcome must generally be lodged within 30 business days after the objection is disallowed or partly allowed. Do not use an objection as a substitute for submitting a complete annual return when the normal correction process is still available. See the official SARS guidance on corrections, objections and appeals . What if the auto assessment shows a refund? A negative amount on the ITA34 normally means SARS owes you money. SARS says refunds of R100 or more are normally paid automatically within 72 hours when all details are valid and no review or compliance issue is blocking payment. You do not need to submit a refund request or pay an agent to release the money. Refunds below R100 are carried forward on the tax account and become payable when the account balance exceeds R100. A refund can take longer where: Banking details must be verified The account is closed or incorrect SARS selected the return for verification SARS selected the return for audit Previous returns are outstanding A tax debt must be offset A third party corrected information after the original assessment SARS requires supporting documents Bank validation can take up to 21 business days. SARS says verification may take up to 21 business days after all required documents are received, while an audit may take up to 90 business days after complete and correct documents are submitted. Refund status can be checked through WhatsApp on 0800 11 7277, the SARS MobiApp or USSD by dialling 134 7277#. More detail appears in SARS’s July 2026 Tax Digest . What if the assessment says you owe SARS? A positive balance may mean that you must pay SARS. Check the ITA34 and Statement of Account for: Amount due Payment due date Payment Reference Number Interest or existing balances For a non-provisional taxpayer who was auto-assessed, SARS says payment is due 30 days after the 23 October 2026 filing-season closing date. Always follow the specific due date shown on your assessment or account. SARS accepts payment through channels including eFiling, EFT and participating banks. Debt below R100 may be carried forward, but SARS warns that interest can still apply. If you cannot pay the full amount, contact SARS promptly about a possible payment arrangement. Do not simply ignore the debt. What if SARS asks for supporting documents? Check the verification section of the ITA34. If it is marked “Yes,” SARS requires supporting documents. The official 2026 guidance says the documents must be provided within 21 days. Possible documents include: IRP5 or IT3(a) certificates Medical-scheme certificate Retirement-annuity certificate Bank and investment certificates Travel logbook Donation receipts Rental-income and expense records Business-income records Capital-gains calculations Proof of foreign tax Proof supporting other deductions or credits Upload only the documents requested, ensure they are readable and retain proof of submission. Supporting documents can be uploaded through eFiling, the MobiApp, the SARS Online Query System and, when SARS prompts the taxpayer, WhatsApp. What if you did not receive an auto-assessment notice? If you did not receive an SMS or email by 12 July 2026, SARS says you were not selected for auto assessment. If you are required to file, complete and submit an ITR12 through eFiling or the SARS MobiApp. The deadline is generally: 23 October 2026 for a non-provisional individual 22 January 2027 for a provisional taxpayer Check the online status tool before assuming that a missing SMS means there is no assessment. Your contact details may be outdated, or a legitimate notification may have been missed. Why was I not auto assessed? SARS may not select a taxpayer where: Personal information is incomplete SARS does not hold sufficient third-party information The person has rental, business or other income requiring a return The tax position is more complex Information requires additional declarations or calculations Not being auto-assessed does not mean that you are exempt from filing. Check whether SARS issued a return and whether you meet the filing requirements. Common auto-assessment problems The assessment is not showing on eFiling Confirm that you selected the correct taxpayer profile and 2026 tax year. Check the status through SOQS or WhatsApp. If the problem continues, contact SARS through an official channel. 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 Tax and Revenue How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Check if SARS Owes You a Refund . Tax and Revenue How to Update Your Banking Details With SARS . Tax and Revenue How to Get Your SARS Tax Number Online . Tax and Revenue SARS Auto Assessment 2026: How to Check and What to Do . ADVERTISEMENT My IRP5 is missing Contact the employer and ask it to submit or correct the employee tax certificate. Reopen or refresh the return after SARS receives the corrected data. My medical-aid information is incorrect Contact the medical scheme. SARS uses the information supplied by the provider, so the scheme must correct inaccurate third-party data. My refund has not arrived after 72 hours Check refund status, banking verification, outstanding returns, tax debt and whether the assessment was selected for verification or audit. The 72-hour period applies only when everything is in order. I changed my bank account Update the banking details through the official SARS process. SARS may require supporting evidence and validation before releasing a refund. The ITA34 says verification is required Upload the requested supporting documents within 21 days. The refund or final outcome may remain pending while SARS completes the verification. SARS auto-assessment scam warning Fraudsters often send fake refund notices during filing season. SARS will not ask you to provide your: eFiling password Banking PIN One-time PIN Full login credentials Do not click an unexpected “refund” link or pay anyone to unlock an auto-assessment payment. Type the official SARS address into your browser, use the official MobiApp or use the published SARS WhatsApp number. If a message is suspicious, verify it directly with SARS. The general SARS Contact Centre number is 0800 00 7277. SARS lists current fraud warnings on its official scams and phishing page . Frequently asked questions How do I check my SARS auto assessment for 2026? Sign in to SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp and open the 2026 ITA34 Notice of Assessment. You can also check selection status using the official online Auto Assessment Lookup service or SARS WhatsApp on 0800 11 7277. Do I need to accept a SARS auto assessment? No. If the information and calculation are complete and correct, SARS says no further action is required. There is no need to submit an ITR12 simply to accept it. What must I do if the auto assessment is wrong? Correct the information and submit an updated ITR12 by the applicable deadline. If third-party data is wrong, first ask the employer, bank, medical scheme or fund to correct its SARS submission. When is the deadline to correct a 2026 auto assessment? The deadline is generally 23 October 2026 for a non-provisional taxpayer and 22 January 2027 for a provisional taxpayer. How long does an auto-assessment refund take? SARS says a valid refund of R100 or more is normally paid automatically within 72 hours when banking details and tax affairs are in order and there is no verification, audit or other blocker. What does a negative amount on the ITA34 mean? A negative amount generally means SARS owes you a refund. Check the Statement of Account and refund status for any restriction or offset. What does a zero assessment mean? It means neither you nor SARS owes money for the assessment. Can a provisional taxpayer be auto assessed in 2026? Yes. SARS says certain eligible provisional taxpayers may receive auto assessments in 2026. A provisional taxpayer who disagrees may amend and submit the return by 22 January 2027. Can I change information after the auto assessment? Yes. Where the auto assessment is incomplete or incorrect, complete and submit the ITR12 through eFiling or the MobiApp before the deadline. Third-party information normally must first be corrected by the institution that supplied it. Do I need to visit a SARS office? Usually not. Status checks, assessment documents, returns, supporting-document uploads and many account queries are available through SARS digital channels. If an in-person visit is necessary, book an appointment first. Official SARS links SARS eFiling login SARS Auto Assessment Status How auto assessment works Everything to know about 2026 auto assessments Changes for Filing Season 2026 SARS July 2026 Tax Digest Corrections, objections and appeals ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tax and Revenue How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return Use the official SARS checker and 2026 rules to see if you must file an ITR12. . Tax and Revenue How to Check if SARS Owes You a Refund Use your ITA34 and Statement of Account to see if SARS owes you, or if you owe SARS. . Tax and Revenue How to Update Your Banking Details With SARS Change your SARS bank account on eFiling or the MobiApp, then confirm with an OTP. . Tax and Revenue How to Get Your SARS Tax Number Online Get a new SARS tax number or recover a forgotten one on eFiling, SOQS, USSD, WhatsApp or SMS. . Tags SARS Updates SARS Updates South Africa Gov Services South Africa Gov Services South Africa South Africa

BBNaija star Saga opens up about acting, romance roles, and his toughest Nollywood project yet. Adeoluwa Okusaga , better known as Saga, is settling into Nollywood and embracing every challenge that comes with it. The former Big Brother Naija star says acting has become one of the most demanding yet rewarding experiences of his career. According to Saturday Sun , Saga described Nollywood as both a difficult and deeply enjoyable industry to work in, revealing that the craft constantly pushes him outside his comfort zone. While many fans know him from reality television, Saga is steadily building a reputation on screen. And if audiences are looking for Nollywood’s next romantic lead, he is more than happy to wear that title. Asked about being seen as a potential “lover boy” in the industry, Saga laughed off any hesitation, saying the label fits because it reflects who he is in real life. Still, he was quick to clear up one common misconception about acting in romantic scenes. Saga explained that intimate moments on set may look glamorous to viewers, but actors are focused on delivering a believable performance rather than enjoying the experience. One of the biggest tests of his acting journey came through his role in the hit series Anikulapo. The project demanded a complete transformation, both physically and mentally. To prepare, Saga worked with a Yoruba language coach for a month, studied Yoruba history and culture, and immersed himself in local films to better understand the character. He also changed his appearance, cutting his beard and growing out his hair as part of the process. The actor admitted that Anikulapo remains the most challenging role he has taken on so far. He hinted that audiences can expect even more from the upcoming fourth season, teasing that he pushed himself in ways he never had before while filming. Despite being only two years into his acting career, Saga believes his best performances are still ahead of him. He already has a list of dream roles he hopes to tackle, including playing a pastor, a detective, and a scientist. For now, Saga’s focus remains on growth. With each new role, the reality TV star-turned-actor is proving that his Nollywood journey is only just beginning—and he seems ready for whatever challenge comes next. NOLLYWOOD UPDATES Saga Embraces ‘Lover Boy’ Label as Nollywood Career Grows By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Jun 6, 2026 Jun 6, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Adeoluwa Okusaga , better known as Saga, is settling into Nollywood and embracing every challenge that comes with it. The former Big Brother Naija star says acting has become one of the most demanding yet rewarding experiences of his career. According to Saturday Sun , Saga described Nollywood as both a difficult and deeply enjoyable industry to work in, revealing that the craft constantly pushes him outside his comfort zone. While many fans know him from reality television, Saga is steadily building a reputation on screen. And if audiences are looking for Nollywood’s next romantic lead, he is more than happy to wear that title. ADVERTISEMENT Asked about being seen as a potential “lover boy” in the industry, Saga laughed off any hesitation, saying the label fits because it reflects who he is in real life. Still, he was quick to clear up one common misconception about acting in romantic scenes. Saga explained that intimate moments on set may look glamorous to viewers, but actors are focused on delivering a believable performance rather than enjoying the experience. ADVERTISEMENT One of the biggest tests of his acting journey came through his role in the hit series Anikulapo. The project demanded a complete transformation, both physically and mentally. To prepare, Saga worked with a Yoruba language coach for a month, studied Yoruba history and culture, and immersed himself in local films to better understand the character. He also changed his appearance, cutting his beard and growing out his hair as part of the process. The actor admitted that Anikulapo remains the most challenging role he has taken on so far. He hinted that audiences can expect even more from the upcoming fourth season, teasing that he pushed himself in ways he never had before while filming. 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 Despite being only two years into his acting career, Saga believes his best performances are still ahead of him. He already has a list of dream roles he hopes to tackle, including playing a pastor, a detective, and a scientist. For now, Saga’s focus remains on growth. With each new role, the reality TV star-turned-actor is proving that his Nollywood journey is only just beginning—and he seems ready for whatever challenge comes next. 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 Nigerian Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigeria Nigeria

Achraf Hakimi’s final appeal against a rape trial order has failed in France. The Morocco and PSG defender continues to deny the accusation. PARIS, France — France’s Court of Cassation has rejected Achraf Hakimi’s final challenge to an order sending him to trial on a rape charge, according to a judicial source quoted by AFP on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. The decision leaves the trial referral in place. Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain defender and Morocco captain, has repeatedly denied the accusation. The Court of Cassation did not decide whether he is guilty; its ruling concerned the legal challenge to the trial order. No trial date had been announced by 9:12 AM EAT on Thursday. The Court of Cassation rejected Hakimi’s final appeal against the order sending him to trial. That means the rape charge can proceed to a criminal court hearing. The ruling is procedural, not a verdict on guilt, and Hakimi continues to deny the accusation. The Court of Cassation is France’s highest court for reviewing whether lower courts correctly applied the law in civil and criminal matters. It does not retry the evidence in the way a trial court does. AFP reported that the court rejected Hakimi’s challenge on 23 September. His lawyer, Fanny Colin, stressed that the allegations themselves had not been examined by the Court of Cassation and would be addressed at trial. The decision removes the final appeal route against the referral order. It does not establish the truth of the accusation, and it does not change the prosecution’s obligation to prove the charge in court. How the case reached France’s highest court The case concerns an accusation dating from February 2023. French prosecutors later charged Hakimi with rape. He denies wrongdoing. An investigating judge ordered that he stand trial before the criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department. The Versailles Court of Appeal upheld that order in June 2026, during the World Cup. Hakimi then appealed to the Court of Cassation. Wednesday’s decision rejected that final procedural challenge. L’Équipe and Euronews France also reported that the trial referral now stands. Continue Reading Full Article SPORTS TRENDS Hakimi’s Final Appeal Fails; Rape Trial to Proceed By Kamau Bahati Entertainment Editor Kamau Bahati Home Comment Sep 24, 2026 Sep 24, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: PARIS, France — France’s Court of Cassation has rejected Achraf Hakimi’s final challenge to an order sending him to trial on a rape charge, according to a judicial source quoted by AFP on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. The decision leaves the trial referral in place. Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain defender and Morocco captain, has repeatedly denied the accusation. The Court of Cassation did not decide whether he is guilty; its ruling concerned the legal challenge to the trial order. No trial date had been announced by 9:12 AM EAT on Thursday. The Court of Cassation rejected Hakimi’s final appeal against the order sending him to trial. That means the rape charge can proceed to a criminal court hearing. The ruling is procedural, not a verdict on guilt, and Hakimi continues to deny the accusation. The Court of Cassation is France’s highest court for reviewing whether lower courts correctly applied the law in civil and criminal matters. It does not retry the evidence in the way a trial court does. AFP reported that the court rejected Hakimi’s challenge on 23 September. His lawyer, Fanny Colin, stressed that the allegations themselves had not been examined by the Court of Cassation and would be addressed at trial. ADVERTISEMENT The decision removes the final appeal route against the referral order. It does not establish the truth of the accusation, and it does not change the prosecution’s obligation to prove the charge in court. How the case reached France’s highest court The case concerns an accusation dating from February 2023. French prosecutors later charged Hakimi with rape. He denies wrongdoing. An investigating judge ordered that he stand trial before the criminal court in the Hauts-de-Seine department. The Versailles Court of Appeal upheld that order in June 2026, during the World Cup. Hakimi then appealed to the Court of Cassation. Wednesday’s decision rejected that final procedural challenge. L’Équipe and Euronews France also reported that the trial referral now stands. XTRAfrica’s June report on the Versailles appeal ruling explained the earlier order and Hakimi’s denial. The new Court of Cassation ruling is a meaningful procedural update because it closes the challenge to that referral rather than repeating the June decision. ADVERTISEMENT What Hakimi and the other parties say Hakimi’s lawyer told AFP that he had cooperated with investigators and would present his defence publicly at trial. The footballer continues to benefit from the presumption of innocence. Rachel-Flore Pardo, a lawyer for the complainant, said her client remained determined to seek justice after years of legal proceedings. Reporting should protect the complainant’s identity and avoid publishing unnecessary personal details. Paris Saint-Germain said Hakimi had consistently denied the accusation. The club also stated that it supports the presumption of innocence while maintaining its opposition to sexual violence. Morocco World News highlighted the significance of the ruling for one of Morocco’s highest-profile footballers. International pickup continued into Thursday morning, including Football Today’s update . Why the distinction between trial and conviction matters A referral to trial means a court will hear the case. It is not a finding that the accused committed the offence. The prosecution must present evidence, the defence can challenge it and the trial court will make the factual and legal decision. 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 The Court of Cassation’s role was narrower. It reviewed the legal challenge to the referral; it did not determine guilt or innocence. Headlines that describe Hakimi as convicted would therefore be false. The same caution applies to sporting consequences. The ruling does not itself suspend Hakimi from Paris Saint-Germain or Morocco, and no new club or federation sanction was announced with the court decision. The case can now move toward a hearing in the Hauts-de-Seine criminal court. The authorities had not announced a trial date by the update time. The next verifiable milestone will be a court scheduling notice or a formal procedural filing. Until then, the accurate position is that the final appeal against the trial order has failed, the charge remains to be tried and Hakimi denies it. 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 Morocco Morocco Achraf Hakimi Mouh Achraf Hakimi Mouh

Burna Boy sets record as Africa’s top-grossing concert artist, earning over $1.1M in Sydney during global tour success. Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy has emerged as Africa’s highest-grossing concert artist, following record-breaking earnings from his recent global tour. According to Touring Data, Burna Boy achieved the milestone during the Sydney stop of his “No Sign of Weakness” tour, where he generated approximately $1.117 million in revenue at Qudos Bank Arena. The performance marks the highest-grossing single concert ever recorded by an African artist, reinforcing Burna Boy’s position as one of the continent’s leading global music exports. Further data indicates tha t the Oceania leg of the tour has become the highest-grossing tour segment by an African artist in the region’s history. Across four shows in Australia, the singer sold about 31,000 tickets, generating a total of approximately $3.1 million in revenue. The “No Sign of Weakness” tour spans 20 performances across North America, Europe, and Oceania, reflecting Burna Boy’s expanding international audience and commercial appeal. Industry observers say the milestone highlights the growing global demand for African music, with artists increasingly filling large arenas outside the continent. Burna Boy, known for hits such as On The Low , continues to set benchmarks for African artists on the global stage, with his touring success signaling a shift in the scale and reach of African music worldwide. Source: The Sun Nigeria Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Burna Boy Becomes Africa’s Highest-Grossing Concert Artist By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Mar 17, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy has emerged as Africa’s highest-grossing concert artist, following record-breaking earnings from his recent global tour. According to Touring Data, Burna Boy achieved the milestone during the Sydney stop of his “No Sign of Weakness” tour, where he generated approximately $1.117 million in revenue at Qudos Bank Arena. ADVERTISEMENT The performance marks the highest-grossing single concert ever recorded by an African artist, reinforcing Burna Boy’s position as one of the continent’s leading global music exports. Further data indicates tha t the Oceania leg of the tour has become the highest-grossing tour segment by an African artist in the region’s history. Across four shows in Australia, the singer sold about 31,000 tickets, generating a total of approximately $3.1 million in revenue. ADVERTISEMENT The “No Sign of Weakness” tour spans 20 performances across North America, Europe, and Oceania, reflecting Burna Boy’s expanding international audience and commercial appeal. Industry observers say the milestone highlights the growing global demand for African music, with artists increasingly filling large arenas outside the continent. Burna Boy, known for hits such as On The Low , continues to set benchmarks for African artists on the global stage, with his touring success signaling a shift in the scale and reach of African music worldwide. 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 Source: The Sun Nigeria 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 Nigerian Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigeria Nigeria

In an unexpected turn of events, Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Davido, is set to take legal action following an April Fool's joke that spiraled out of control. The prank, initially aired by Kenya's K24 TV, falsely claimed the musician had been detained in Kenya with cocaine discovered on his private aircraft. Davido, the 31-year-old Afrobeats star renowned for his dynamic East African tours, vehemently dismissed the allegations as "extremely irresponsible". On X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Davido clarified, "I have never been arrested by anyone in any country for any crime in the world. Not in my homeland Nigeria, my home America, or in any of the numerous countries I've embraced throughout my career." The BBC Africa Live provided ongoing updates as the story unfolded, highlighting the widespread reaction across social media platforms. The fabricated report gained traction following Davido's electrifying performances at the Timeless Concert in Kampala and Raha Fest in Nairobi, leading to an onslaught of inquiries from concerned fans. The situation escalated to the point where Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) felt compelled to intervene, denouncing the report as "Fake News" via a tweet containing a screenshot of the misleading headline. Davido reassured his fan base on Tuesday, stating, I want to assure my fans that these reports are entirely untrue. I successfully completed my scheduled shows in Uganda and Kenya and have since returned home to Nigeria," I emphasized the gravity of concocting such serious international crime allegations, even under the guise of April Fool's humor, and confirmed that my legal team is pursuing action against the media outlets involved in propagating this false narrative. As of now, K24 TV has yet to comment on the impending legal confrontation. The prank, deemed distasteful by many Kenyans, has sparked a dialogue on social media, with numerous voices expressing hope for an amicable resolution to this unfortunate debacle . Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Apr 4, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Davido to sue Kenya's K24 TV over false cocain allegetaions under the guise of April Fool's humor In an unexpected turn of events, Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Davido, is set to take legal action following an April Fool's joke that spiraled out of control. The prank, initially aired by Kenya's K24 TV, falsely claimed the musician had been detained in Kenya with cocaine discovered on his private aircraft. Davido, the 31-year-old Afrobeats star renowned for his dynamic East African tours, vehemently dismissed the allegations as "extremely irresponsible". On X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Davido clarified, "I have never been arrested by anyone in any country for any crime in the world. Not in my homeland Nigeria, my home America, or in any of the numerous countries I've embraced throughout my career." The BBC Africa Live provided ongoing updates as the story unfolded, highlighting the widespread reaction across social media platforms. The fabricated report gained traction following Davido's electrifying performances at the Timeless Concert in Kampala and Raha Fest in Nairobi, leading to an onslaught of inquiries from concerned fans. The situation escalated to the point where Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) felt compelled to intervene, denouncing the report as "Fake News" via a tweet containing a screenshot of the misleading headline. ADVERTISEMENT Davido reassured his fan base on Tuesday, stating, I want to assure my fans that these reports are entirely untrue. I successfully completed my scheduled shows in Uganda and Kenya and have since returned home to Nigeria," I emphasized the gravity of concocting such serious international crime allegations, even under the guise of April Fool's humor, and confirmed that my legal team is pursuing action against the media outlets involved in propagating this false narrative. As of now, K24 TV has yet to comment on the impending legal confrontation. The prank, deemed distasteful by many Kenyans, has sparked a dialogue on social media, with numerous voices expressing hope for an amicable resolution to this unfortunate debacle . ADVERTISEMENT 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

DRC says South Kivu returnees passed 1.6 million as authorities monitor security, aid needs and border trade. The Democratic Republic of Congo says it is stepping up humanitarian monitoring in South Kivu after a government briefing reported that 1,639,708 people had returned to the province between November 1, 2024, and April 30, 2026. Minister of State for Social Affairs, Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity Ève Bazaiba presented the update for the period from May 10 to 16 during the Council of Ministers meeting held on May 22. The government said the returns were recorded across several territories and cities, with Uvira, Kalehe, Walungu and Fizi among the most affected areas. Authorities linked the movement to efforts to restore state authority and reopen cross-border trade after months of disruption caused by security tensions involving AFC/M23 . The figures come as OCHA reported about 1.64 million returnees in South Kivu as of April 30, alongside 1.49 million internally displaced people in the province. The wider humanitarian situation remains fragile. The European Commission announced new aid for the Great Lakes region earlier this year, warning that conflict in eastern DRC continues to stretch food, water and shelter resources. Kinshasa says continued monitoring will focus on population movements, humanitarian needs, storm damage and areas still affected by insecurity in eastern DRC . Continue Reading Full Article WAR IN EASTERN DRC DRC Moves to Track South Kivu 1.6M Returnees After Border Reopens By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment May 26, 2026 May 26, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Democratic Republic of Congo says it is stepping up humanitarian monitoring in South Kivu after a government briefing reported that 1,639,708 people had returned to the province between November 1, 2024, and April 30, 2026. Minister of State for Social Affairs, Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity Ève Bazaiba presented the update for the period from May 10 to 16 during the Council of Ministers meeting held on May 22. ADVERTISEMENT The government said the returns were recorded across several territories and cities, with Uvira, Kalehe, Walungu and Fizi among the most affected areas. Authorities linked the movement to efforts to restore state authority and reopen cross-border trade after months of disruption caused by security tensions involving AFC/M23 . ADVERTISEMENT The figures come as OCHA reported about 1.64 million returnees in South Kivu as of April 30, alongside 1.49 million internally displaced people in the province. The wider humanitarian situation remains fragile. The European Commission announced new aid for the Great Lakes region earlier this year, warning that conflict in eastern DRC continues to stretch food, water and shelter resources. 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 Kinshasa says continued monitoring will focus on population movements, humanitarian needs, storm damage and areas still affected by insecurity in eastern DRC . 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 DR Congo News DR Congo News Human Rights Human Rights

In Ghana, the fight against child marriage (CM) demands immediate attention, with a staggering 19% of women aged 20-24 married before 18, a practice deeply rooted in cultural, economic, and social norms, especially prevalent in the northern regions. Despite legal frameworks and efforts by the Gender Department and various organizations, child marriage persists, highlighting a critical need for reinforced action and community engagement to dismantle these deep-seated traditions. Strategic Collaborations and Interventions Efforts led by UNFPA and UNICEF, in partnership with local ministries and NGOs, are making strides with projects aimed at empowering youth, promoting gender equality, and enhancing community participation. These initiatives include the creation of 'Safe Space Systems' for adolescents and community-driven campaigns like the Child Marriage Free Community Alert Campaign, which has shown promising results in preventing child marriages through heightened community vigilance and engagement. Impact and Ongoing Challenges The interventions have led to significant achievements, such as the establishment of community by-laws against child marriage and re-enrollment of girls in schools. However, challenges remain, including the need for sustained community support and addressing underlying issues like economic hardship and lack of education. The data underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach, combining policy advocacy, community engagement, and educational initiatives to eradicate child marriage. The fight against child marriage in Ghana is a testament to the power of collective action and the need for sustained efforts to ensure a future where all children, especially girls , can realize their full potential free from the bonds of early marriage. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Feb 24, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Communities are pledging to protect the innocence and futures of our young girls In Ghana, the fight against child marriage (CM) demands immediate attention, with a staggering 19% of women aged 20-24 married before 18, a practice deeply rooted in cultural, economic, and social norms, especially prevalent in the northern regions. Despite legal frameworks and efforts by the Gender Department and various organizations, child marriage persists, highlighting a critical need for reinforced action and community engagement to dismantle these deep-seated traditions. Strategic Collaborations and Interventions Efforts led by UNFPA and UNICEF, in partnership with local ministries and NGOs, are making strides with projects aimed at empowering youth, promoting gender equality, and enhancing community participation. These initiatives include the creation of 'Safe Space Systems' for adolescents and community-driven campaigns like the Child Marriage Free Community Alert Campaign, which has shown promising results in preventing child marriages through heightened community vigilance and engagement. ADVERTISEMENT Impact and Ongoing Challenges The interventions have led to significant achievements, such as the establishment of community by-laws against child marriage and re-enrollment of girls in schools. However, challenges remain, including the need for sustained community support and addressing underlying issues like economic hardship and lack of education. The data underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach, combining policy advocacy, community engagement, and educational initiatives to eradicate child marriage. The fight against child marriage in Ghana is a testament to the power of collective action and the need for sustained efforts to ensure a future where all children, especially girls , can realize their full potential free from the bonds of early marriage. ADVERTISEMENT 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

DRC Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba Likunde says $1.25B Eurobond funds will be invested in energy and transport to diversify the economy The Democratic Republic of Congo will channel the proceeds from its $1.25 billion debut Eurobond issuance, raised earlier this month, into hydropower and transport infrastructure, Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba Likunde said, outlining a strategy aimed at diversifying the country’s resource-driven economy. Speaking on the sidelines of the IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, Fwamba Likunde said the investment marks a shift from reliance on extractive industries toward broader economic development. “Critical minerals are strategic assets for the DRC, but resilience comes from what we build around these critical mineral resources,” he said. “We are bringing balance between mining and non-mining growth.” The bond sale, Congo’s first-ever issuance on international capital markets, follows years of macroeconomic reforms and efforts to restore investor confidence. The government has worked closely with the International Monetary Fund, completing a key program in 2024, which helped underpin the country’s return to global finance. Demand for the five- and ten-year bonds was four times the amount on offer, reflecting strong investor appetite despite ongoing security concerns in the country’s east. Even after the issuance, Congo’s debt levels remain relatively low, at around 20% of GDP, according to the finance minister. The DRC’s economy remains heavily dependent on mining, with copper and cobalt accounting for more than 90% of export revenues. However, authorities are now seeking to leverage this position to build long-term economic stability. The Eurobond proceeds will complement rising foreign direct investment, which has increased by 60% since 2019, largely concentrated in the mining sector. By directing funds into energy and transport, the government aims to address structural bottlenecks, particularly electricity shortages that force mining companies to rely on diesel generators. Alongside infrastructure investment, Kinshasa is advancing fiscal reforms to strengthen public finances. These include the rollout of an electronic VAT invoicing system, expected to generate more than $200 million in additional revenue this year. Continue Reading Full Article ECONOMIC REPORTS DRC to Invest $1.25B Eurobond Proceeds in Energy and Infrastructure By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Apr 20, 2026 May 15, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Democratic Republic of Congo will channel the proceeds from its $1.25 billion debut Eurobond issuance, raised earlier this month, into hydropower and transport infrastructure, Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba Likunde said, outlining a strategy aimed at diversifying the country’s resource-driven economy. Speaking on the sidelines of the IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, Fwamba Likunde said the investment marks a shift from reliance on extractive industries toward broader economic development. “Critical minerals are strategic assets for the DRC, but resilience comes from what we build around these critical mineral resources,” he said. “We are bringing balance between mining and non-mining growth.” The bond sale, Congo’s first-ever issuance on international capital markets, follows years of macroeconomic reforms and efforts to restore investor confidence. The government has worked closely with the International Monetary Fund, completing a key program in 2024, which helped underpin the country’s return to global finance. ADVERTISEMENT Demand for the five- and ten-year bonds was four times the amount on offer, reflecting strong investor appetite despite ongoing security concerns in the country’s east. Even after the issuance, Congo’s debt levels remain relatively low, at around 20% of GDP, according to the finance minister. The DRC’s economy remains heavily dependent on mining, with copper and cobalt accounting for more than 90% of export revenues. However, authorities are now seeking to leverage this position to build long-term economic stability. The Eurobond proceeds will complement rising foreign direct investment, which has increased by 60% since 2019, largely concentrated in the mining sector. ADVERTISEMENT By directing funds into energy and transport, the government aims to address structural bottlenecks, particularly electricity shortages that force mining companies to rely on diesel generators. Alongside infrastructure investment, Kinshasa is advancing fiscal reforms to strengthen public finances. These include the rollout of an electronic VAT invoicing system, expected to generate more than $200 million in additional revenue this year. The government has also significantly reduced fuel subsidies, cutting costs from around $500 million annually to less than $70 million in 2025, while removing support for mining companies to free up resources for development. 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 “We want to be a regular sovereign issuer,” Fwamba Likunde said, signaling a long-term approach to engaging international markets, while adding that there is “no rush” for a second issuance despite earlier plans to raise more funds this year. Security spending remains a key pressure point. The government allocated about 882 billion francs ($386 million) in the final quarter of last year alone to address instability in eastern Congo, where a Rwanda-backed rebellion continues to affect parts of the territory. Still, the minister emphasized that investors are looking beyond short-term challenges. “What is more relevant for investors is the perspective of the country for the next 10 years,” he said. “They know there are security concerns, but they also see what the government is doing to improve the situation.” 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 Invest In Congo Invest In Congo

Rema’s debut album ‘Rave & Roses’ sets a new Billboard World Albums record with 170 weeks, surpassing Wizkid’s 164-week run. Nigerian singer Rema has set a new record on the Billboard World Albums Chart, as his debut album Rave & Roses reached 170 weeks, becoming the longest-charting African album on the platform. Rema sets new Billboard World A… The milestone surpasses the previous record of 164 weeks held by Wizkid’s Made In Lagos , which was achieved last year. Rema sets new Billboard World A… Other African projects with notable chart runs include Tems’ Born In The Wild with 79 weeks, Burna Boy’s Love, Damini with 63 weeks, and Fela Kuti’s The Best Of The Black President with 45 weeks. Rema sets new Billboard World A… In addition to the World Albums milestone, Rema secured his second Billboard Hot 100 entry as Secondhand , a collaboration with Don Toliver, debuted at number 29. Rema sets new Billboard World A… Tems also made a new Hot 100 appearance with What You Need , bringing her total to seven entries, tying a joint African record previously held with Burna Boy and South African group Seether. Rema sets new Billboard World A… Source: The Sun Nigeria Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Rema Breaks Billboard Record with 170-Week Chart Run By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Feb 14, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Nigerian singer Rema has set a new record on the Billboard World Albums Chart, as his debut album Rave & Roses reached 170 weeks, becoming the longest-charting African album on the platform. Rema sets new Billboard World A… The milestone surpasses the previous record of 164 weeks held by Wizkid’s Made In Lagos , which was achieved last year. Rema sets new Billboard World A… Other African projects with notable chart runs include Tems’ Born In The Wild with 79 weeks, Burna Boy’s Love, Damini with 63 weeks, and Fela Kuti’s The Best Of The Black President with 45 weeks. Rema sets new Billboard World A… ADVERTISEMENT In addition to the World Albums milestone, Rema secured his second Billboard Hot 100 entry as Secondhand , a collaboration with Don Toliver, debuted at number 29. Rema sets new Billboard World A… Tems also made a new Hot 100 appearance with What You Need , bringing her total to seven entries, tying a joint African record previously held with Burna Boy and South African group Seether. Rema sets new Billboard World A… ADVERTISEMENT Source: The Sun Nigeria 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 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 Nigerian Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigeria Nigeria

South Kivu accuses Rwandan forces and M23 of forcibly displacing civilians in Katogota, eastern DR Congo, and calls for UN investigations and humanitarian aid. South Kivu authorities say families in Katogota have been forced to abandon their homes and land since October 30, 2026. The provincial government is seeking international investigations, humanitarian assistance and the safe return of displaced residents. KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo — November 2, 2026 — The South Kivu provincial government has accused the Rwandan army and its allied M23 armed movement of forcibly displacing civilians from Katogota, in Uvira territory, describing the reported operations as potential war crimes and calling for international action. In a statement reported on November 1 by the Agence Congolaise de Presse (ACP) , provincial authorities said the displacement began on the evening of Friday, October 30. They accused elements of the reorganized M23 movement of compelling civilians to leave their homes and said the fighters were operating in support of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). The statement was also republished by Genocide Watch . The available accounts describe the provincial government's allegations; they do not independently establish the number of people affected or the precise circumstances of the reported removals. Families Reportedly Forced From Their Homes in Katogota Katogota is located in the Itara-Luvungi grouping of Uvira territory, in South Kivu's Ruzizi Plain. The provincial government alleges that residents have been compelled to abandon their houses, agricultural land and belongings, joining other families uprooted by prolonged insecurity in the region. As ACP's November 1 report recounts, provincial officials condemned the alleged expulsions and expressed solidarity with families affected by the latest violence. They called attention to the loss of shelter, livelihoods and access to land that forced displacement can cause. The statement did not provide a verified displacement total, identify all destinations to which residents were taken, or describe an independent assessment of conditions in Katogota. Establishing those facts will be essential to determining the full humanitarian consequences of the reported operation. Katogota Still Bears the Memory of a 2000 Massacre In condemning the latest allegations, the South Kivu government recalled the massacre of civilians in Katogota on May 14, 2000, during the Second Congo War. Continue Reading Full Article JUSTICE & CRIME Rwanda Accused of Deporting Congolese Civilians in South Kivu By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Nov 2, 2026 Nov 2, 2026 7 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: South Kivu authorities say families in Katogota have been forced to abandon their homes and land since October 30, 2026. The provincial government is seeking international investigations, humanitarian assistance and the safe return of displaced residents. KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo — November 2, 2026 — The South Kivu provincial government has accused the Rwandan army and its allied M23 armed movement of forcibly displacing civilians from Katogota, in Uvira territory, describing the reported operations as potential war crimes and calling for international action. In a statement reported on November 1 by the Agence Congolaise de Presse (ACP) , provincial authorities said the displacement began on the evening of Friday, October 30. They accused elements of the reorganized M23 movement of compelling civilians to leave their homes and said the fighters were operating in support of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). The statement was also republished by Genocide Watch . The available accounts describe the provincial government's allegations; they do not independently establish the number of people affected or the precise circumstances of the reported removals. Families Reportedly Forced From Their Homes in Katogota Katogota is located in the Itara-Luvungi grouping of Uvira territory, in South Kivu's Ruzizi Plain. The provincial government alleges that residents have been compelled to abandon their houses, agricultural land and belongings, joining other families uprooted by prolonged insecurity in the region. As ACP's November 1 report recounts, provincial officials condemned the alleged expulsions and expressed solidarity with families affected by the latest violence. They called attention to the loss of shelter, livelihoods and access to land that forced displacement can cause. The statement did not provide a verified displacement total, identify all destinations to which residents were taken, or describe an independent assessment of conditions in Katogota. Establishing those facts will be essential to determining the full humanitarian consequences of the reported operation. ADVERTISEMENT Katogota Still Bears the Memory of a 2000 Massacre In condemning the latest allegations, the South Kivu government recalled the massacre of civilians in Katogota on May 14, 2000, during the Second Congo War. According to the provincial account reproduced by ACP , families in the community commemorate 375 victims of that massacre. The authorities attributed the killings to Rwandan troops and their allied forces and said the new allegations have revived the community's historical trauma. The figure of 375 is the number cited in the provincial statement. The 2026 allegations and the historical massacre concern distinct events and should be investigated on their respective evidence. Earlier Human Rights Watch Findings Provide Important Context The allegations from Katogota emerge against a background of previously documented forced transfers in territory controlled by M23. In a June 18, 2025 investigation , Human Rights Watch reported that the Rwanda-controlled M23 armed group had deported more than 1,500 people from occupied eastern Congo to Rwanda. It documented how fighters rounded up as many as 2,000 people in Sake on May 12, 2025, transferred them to Goma, and subsequently sent many across the border. The organization said the transfers violated the Geneva Conventions and assessed that Rwanda's effective control over parts of eastern Congo, through its forces and M23, appeared to meet the legal standard for belligerent occupation. ADVERTISEMENT These Human Rights Watch findings relate to separate incidents in 2025, not the reported October 2026 events in Katogota. They establish that forced displacement has previously been documented in M23-controlled areas, but cannot by themselves verify the new allegations. Why the Allegations Raise Questions Under International Law The South Kivu government argues that forcibly removing civilians from Katogota may violate the rules governing occupied territory. Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits forcible transfers and deportations of protected civilians from occupied territory. It permits narrowly limited temporary evacuations where civilian security or imperative military reasons require them, subject to safeguards and the return of residents as soon as conditions allow. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court separately provides that unlawful deportation or transfer may constitute a war crime. Deportation or forcible transfer may also constitute a crime against humanity when carried out as part of a widespread or systematic attack against civilians and the other required legal elements are met. South Kivu authorities describe the reported removals as grave violations and are urging international investigators to examine the facts. Whether particular acts constitute international crimes, and who may be criminally responsible, requires evidence and a competent legal determination. Government Demands Rwandan Withdrawal and an End to Parallel Rule The provincial government has also linked its demands to UN Security Council Resolution 2773, unanimously adopted on February 21, 2025. Under Resolution 2773 , the Security Council called on the Rwanda Defence Force to stop supporting M23 and withdraw from Congolese territory without preconditions. It also demanded that M23 end hostilities, leave territory under its control and reverse the creation of parallel administrations. 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 In its Katogota statement , the South Kivu government renewed its call for those demands to be implemented. It holds Rwanda and its allied armed groups responsible for the reported displacement and argues that protection of civilians requires an end to coercive practices in occupied communities. The resolution provides the international framework for those demands. It does not, on its own, establish the facts of the alleged October 30 incident. Calls for Humanitarian Assistance and International Investigations South Kivu authorities have demanded an immediate end to the reported forced removals and the free, safe and dignified return of families to Katogota. They also urged the United Nations and humanitarian organizations to deliver assistance to affected residents. According to ACP's coverage , the provincial government asked investigative mechanisms established by the UN Human Rights Council and the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to examine the allegations and identify those who may bear responsibility. An effective response would require verifying how many people have been displaced, where they are located, what assistance they need and whether they can return without renewed threats. 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 Rwanda Rwanda

DR Congo says it is intensifying operations in Mambasa after an ADF attack killed 43 people, burned 44 homes and damaged property. The Democratic Republic of Congo says it is stepping up security operations in Mambasa territory after an ADF attack on the Mambasa-Kisangani axis left 43 people dead, burned 44 houses and caused major material damage, according to authorities on Thursday. The latest assault adds to growing concern over civilian protection in Ituri, where repeated attacks have continued despite years of military pressure on the armed group. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya, citing the spokesperson of the Ituri operational sector, said the attack struck the locality of Bafwakoa and also damaged a truck and five motorcycles. He said the FARDC is reinforcing security measures, restoring order and intensifying targeted operations aimed at dismantling ADF networks in the area. The renewed military response comes after another violent period in Mambasa last month. In late March, It was reported that Congolese forces had retaken Muchacha , a strategic mining site in Ituri that had long been used by ADF fighters and had been linked to earlier massacres of civilians. The latest attack also fits a wider pattern of worsening insecurity in eastern Congo. Another report said that local officials gave a higher provisional toll than the army’s figure and said some people were still missing after the assault, underlining the difficulty of establishing final casualty counts in remote conflict zones. ADF violence has affected communities across Ituri and North Kivu for years, especially in Mambasa, Irumu, Beni and Lubero. The group, which originated in Uganda and later pledged allegiance to Islamic State, has remained one of the deadliest armed movements operating in eastern Continue Reading Full Article ADF REBELS ADF Attack in Ituri Leaves 43 Dead, 44 Homes Burned By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Apr 3, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Democratic Republic of Congo says it is stepping up security operations in Mambasa territory after an ADF attack on the Mambasa-Kisangani axis left 43 people dead, burned 44 houses and caused major material damage, according to authorities on Thursday. The latest assault adds to growing concern over civilian protection in Ituri, where repeated attacks have continued despite years of military pressure on the armed group. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya, citing the spokesperson of the Ituri operational sector, said the attack struck the locality of Bafwakoa and also damaged a truck and five motorcycles. He said the FARDC is reinforcing security measures, restoring order and intensifying targeted operations aimed at dismantling ADF networks in the area. ADVERTISEMENT The renewed military response comes after another violent period in Mambasa last month. In late March, It was reported that Congolese forces had retaken Muchacha , a strategic mining site in Ituri that had long been used by ADF fighters and had been linked to earlier massacres of civilians. The latest attack also fits a wider pattern of worsening insecurity in eastern Congo. Another report said that local officials gave a higher provisional toll than the army’s figure and said some people were still missing after the assault, underlining the difficulty of establishing final casualty counts in remote conflict zones. ADVERTISEMENT ADF violence has affected communities across Ituri and North Kivu for years, especially in Mambasa, Irumu, Beni and Lubero. The group, which originated in Uganda and later pledged allegiance to Islamic State, has remained one of the deadliest armed movements operating in eastern 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 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 Africa Africa DR.Congo DR.Congo Xtrafrica News Xtrafrica News Wazalendo DRC Wazalendo DRC African Union African Union