In a recent development in Rwanda's political landscape , the High Court in Kigali has ruled to reject opposition politician Victoire Ingabire's request to have her presidential clemency conditions reviewed. This decision effectively bars Ingabire from running in the forthcoming presidential elections in July. Ingabire, a prominent figure in Rwanda's opposition , had previously been convicted of threatening state security and minimizing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She was released in 2018 after serving eight years in prison. In her bid to run for president, Ingabire sought "rehabilitation" to have her rights restored. The court's decision was based on the fact that Ingabire had not fully met the conditions of her presidential pardon, which included a ban on running for office. The court maintained that these conditions were necessary to uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of the electoral process. In response to the court's ruling, Ingabire released a statement expressing her disappointment and determination to continue her fight for democracy and human rights in Rwanda. She also pointed out that the decision highlights broader issues in the country, such as the lack of independence of the judiciary and the suppression of opposition voices. The Rwandan government, however, maintains that the court's decision is fair and by the law. They argue that Ingabire's past actions and convictions make her ineligible to run for public office. The rejection of Ingabire's request has sparked debate among human rights organizations and development partners of Rwanda, who have long criticized the country's political environment for limiting opposition and free speech. As Rwanda prepares for its presidential elections in July, the absence of a prominent opposition figure like Victoire Ingabire raises questions about the state of democracy and political competition in the country. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 13, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Rwanda court upholds election ban on opposition politician Victoire Ingabire In a recent development in Rwanda's political landscape , the High Court in Kigali has ruled to reject opposition politician Victoire Ingabire's request to have her presidential clemency conditions reviewed. This decision effectively bars Ingabire from running in the forthcoming presidential elections in July. Ingabire, a prominent figure in Rwanda's opposition , had previously been convicted of threatening state security and minimizing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She was released in 2018 after serving eight years in prison. In her bid to run for president, Ingabire sought "rehabilitation" to have her rights restored. ADVERTISEMENT The court's decision was based on the fact that Ingabire had not fully met the conditions of her presidential pardon, which included a ban on running for office. The court maintained that these conditions were necessary to uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of the electoral process. In response to the court's ruling, Ingabire released a statement expressing her disappointment and determination to continue her fight for democracy and human rights in Rwanda. She also pointed out that the decision highlights broader issues in the country, such as the lack of independence of the judiciary and the suppression of opposition voices. ADVERTISEMENT The Rwandan government, however, maintains that the court's decision is fair and by the law. They argue that Ingabire's past actions and convictions make her ineligible to run for public office. The rejection of Ingabire's request has sparked debate among human rights organizations and development partners of Rwanda, who have long criticized the country's political environment for limiting opposition and free speech. 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 As Rwanda prepares for its presidential elections in July, the absence of a prominent opposition figure like Victoire Ingabire raises questions about the state of democracy and political competition in the country. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

Congo launches EXETAT 2025 with over 1M candidates, using AI and blockchain to ensure transparency, speed, and secure diplomas under Minister Raïssa Malu. With more than a million candidates registered, the Democratic Republic of Congo has officially launched the 58th ordinary session of the State Examination (EXETAT) across the country. On Monday, July 28, 2025, Minister of State for National Education and New Citizenship, Mrs. Raïssa Malu , proudly declared the opening of exams in 3,165 centers, including 13 outside the country (Angola, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania). What is the State Examination (EXETAT) in Congo? The Examen d'État (EXETAT), also known as the State Examination, is the official national exam that students in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) must pass at the end of secondary school. It serves as the Congolese equivalent of a high school diploma or baccalaureate and is a key requirement for obtaining the Diplôme d'État. Passing the EXETAT opens the door to higher education in Congolese universities and technical institutes, and is also recognized for employment opportunities within the country. Since its inception in 1967, the State Examination has remained a pillar of Congo’s educational system, marking the academic journey of thousands each year. Even in territories under the control of the M23/AFC rebellion, the Ministry, in partnership with UNICEF, successfully ensured that candidates in those areas could participate in EXETAT 2025. Aligned with President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi ’s broader vision to reform education, particularly by promoting free primary education, this year’s national exams reflect a renewed commitment to transparency, modernization, and quality. “I wish to highlight the technical innovations introduced since the 2024 session,” Minister Malu emphasized. Digital Transformation for Fairer, Faster, and Transparent Exams Minister Raïssa Malu's tenure has prioritized a digital overhaul of the EXETAT process to ensure fairness, efficiency, and credibility, both nationally and internationally. 1. Digital Registration System Manual registration methods, long prone to fraud and error, have been replaced by a secure digital platform. Over 4 million students have been correctly registered, eliminating more than 12 million paper documents. This initiative not only secures student data but also streamlines the issuance of macarons and diplomas while promoting eco-conscious administration. Continue Reading Full Article EDUCATION EXETAT 2025: Congo Digitizes Exams with AI and Blockchain Tools By Guerson Nabushi Nyonkourou Political Analyst Guerson Nabushi Nyonkourou Home Comment Jul 28, 2025 May 15, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: With more than a million candidates registered, the Democratic Republic of Congo has officially launched the 58th ordinary session of the State Examination (EXETAT) across the country. On Monday, July 28, 2025, Minister of State for National Education and New Citizenship, Mrs. Raïssa Malu , proudly declared the opening of exams in 3,165 centers, including 13 outside the country (Angola, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania). What is the State Examination (EXETAT) in Congo? The Examen d'État (EXETAT), also known as the State Examination, is the official national exam that students in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) must pass at the end of secondary school. It serves as the Congolese equivalent of a high school diploma or baccalaureate and is a key requirement for obtaining the Diplôme d'État. Passing the EXETAT opens the door to higher education in Congolese universities and technical institutes, and is also recognized for employment opportunities within the country. Since its inception in 1967, the State Examination has remained a pillar of Congo’s educational system, marking the academic journey of thousands each year. Even in territories under the control of the M23/AFC rebellion, the Ministry, in partnership with UNICEF, successfully ensured that candidates in those areas could participate in EXETAT 2025. Aligned with President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi ’s broader vision to reform education, particularly by promoting free primary education, this year’s national exams reflect a renewed commitment to transparency, modernization, and quality. ADVERTISEMENT “I wish to highlight the technical innovations introduced since the 2024 session,” Minister Malu emphasized. Digital Transformation for Fairer, Faster, and Transparent Exams Minister Raïssa Malu's tenure has prioritized a digital overhaul of the EXETAT process to ensure fairness, efficiency, and credibility, both nationally and internationally. 1. Digital Registration System Manual registration methods, long prone to fraud and error, have been replaced by a secure digital platform. Over 4 million students have been correctly registered, eliminating more than 12 million paper documents. This initiative not only secures student data but also streamlines the issuance of macarons and diplomas while promoting eco-conscious administration. ADVERTISEMENT 2. Blockchain-Secured Diplomas Through the E-Déclaration platform, every diploma issued is now tamper-proof, traceable, and valid for life. With a simple QR code or secure link, universities, employers, and embassies can instantly verify a student’s credentials, making the DRC a pioneer in blockchain-powered education certification in Africa. 3. AI-Powered Corrections with S-Note Manager To enhance grading accuracy and speed, the Ministry introduced S-Note Manager, an AI-based correction system supervised by experts from the General Inspection. This hybrid model ensures consistency and reliability, significantly reducing grading time while preserving human oversight. New Correction Centers in Mbuji-Mayi and Lubumbashi A historic first for the EXETAT process: the decentralization of copy corrections. Two modern scanning and processing centers have been established in Mbuji-Mayi (Kasai Oriental) and Lubumbashi (Haut-Katanga), each equipped with: Preparation Room Scanning Room Server Room Control Room Monitoring Room These centers process exams digitally and transmit them directly to correction hubs in Kinshasa, reducing the time it takes to process results by 30 - 40%. 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 Scholarships Russia Confirms 100 Scholarships for Congolese Students . Patriotism Tshisekedi Urges Congolese in Russia to Be DRC Ambassadors . Healthcare System Kasa-Vubu Youth Centre Inaugurated in Kinshasa . Business & Investment DRC Urges Diaspora to Invest Skills and Capital at Home . Biography Miguel Masaisai Biography: The Cyclist Who Rode for Peace . ADVERTISEMENT “This is more than modernization, it’s a pledge to transparency, fairness, and sovereignty for Congolese youth,” said Malu. This session marks a new era in the DRC’s education system. With support from partners and the wider community, these reforms aim to place Congo’s education system among the most trusted and innovative on the continent. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Scholarships Russia Confirms 100 Scholarships for Congolese Students Russia confirms 100 government scholarship places for Congolese students, reaffirming education . Patriotism Tshisekedi Urges Congolese in Russia to Be DRC Ambassadors Meeting the Congolese diaspora in Moscow, Tshisekedi calls for patriotism, academic excellence . Healthcare System Kasa-Vubu Youth Centre Inaugurated in Kinshasa A new youth space combines health information and participation, with access details still unclear. . Business & Investment DRC Urges Diaspora to Invest Skills and Capital at Home DiaspoBoost 2026 urges Congolese abroad to invest capital, share expertise and support local businesses . Tags DRC Youths DRC Youths Visit Congo Visit Congo DR.Congo DR.Congo Happening Now Happening Now Congo Education Congo Education Congolese Youths Congolese Youths

Dentaa Show releases a visual guide detailing how music professionals can apply for Grammy Recording Academy membership by March 2026. Ghanaian entertainment platform Dentaa Show has released a detailed visual guide outlining how music professionals can apply for membership in the Recording Academy, the organisation behind the Grammy Awards. Dentaa releases step-by-step gu… The step-by-step explainer, published on the outlet’s official social media channels, is aimed at supporting African creatives and emerging industry figures seeking stronger representation within global music institutions. Dentaa releases step-by-step gu… According to the guide, applicants must secure two professional endorsements from individuals working in the music industry. These recommendations are submitted digitally and may come from either current Recording Academy members or qualified industry professionals who are not members. The guide notes that the substance and credibility of the recommendation carry more weight than the referee’s membership status. Dentaa releases step-by-step gu… Applicants are also advised to ensure referees use the correct email address to avoid administrative delays. Dentaa releases step-by-step gu… Once both endorsements are submitted, candidates receive an email invitation to complete a professional profile detailing their contributions to the recording industry. The profile must include relevant supporting materials such as official websites, social media accounts, streaming platforms, press features and awards recognition. Dentaa releases step-by-step gu… All application components — including endorsements and the candidate profile — must be finalised by 1 March 2026. Submissions completed after the deadline will be deferred to the 2027 review cycle. Dentaa releases step-by-step gu… Applications are reviewed annually by a peer panel in the spring, with successful candidates receiving formal invitations to join in early July. New members are required to activate their membership by paying an annual fee of 150 US dollars. Dentaa releases step-by-step gu… Industry observers have described the initiative as a strategic move to demystify the Grammy membership process and encourage greater African participation in global music decision-making spaces. Dentaa releases step-by-step gu… Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Dentaa Unveils Guide to Join Grammy Recording Academy By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Feb 13, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Ghanaian entertainment platform Dentaa Show has released a detailed visual guide outlining how music professionals can apply for membership in the Recording Academy, the organisation behind the Grammy Awards. Dentaa releases step-by-step gu… The step-by-step explainer, published on the outlet’s official social media channels, is aimed at supporting African creatives and emerging industry figures seeking stronger representation within global music institutions. Dentaa releases step-by-step gu… According to the guide, applicants must secure two professional endorsements from individuals working in the music industry. These recommendations are submitted digitally and may come from either current Recording Academy members or qualified industry professionals who are not members. ADVERTISEMENT The guide notes that the substance and credibility of the recommendation carry more weight than the referee’s membership status. Dentaa releases step-by-step gu… Applicants are also advised to ensure referees use the correct email address to avoid administrative delays. Dentaa releases step-by-step gu… Once both endorsements are submitted, candidates receive an email invitation to complete a professional profile detailing their contributions to the recording industry. The profile must include relevant supporting materials such as official websites, social media accounts, streaming platforms, press features and awards recognition. Dentaa releases step-by-step gu… ADVERTISEMENT All application components — including endorsements and the candidate profile — must be finalised by 1 March 2026. Submissions completed after the deadline will be deferred to the 2027 review cycle. Dentaa releases step-by-step gu… Applications are reviewed annually by a peer panel in the spring, with successful candidates receiving formal invitations to join in early July. New members are required to activate their membership by paying an annual fee of 150 US dollars. Dentaa releases step-by-step gu… 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 Industry observers have described the initiative as a strategic move to demystify the Grammy membership process and encourage greater African participation in global music decision-making spaces. Dentaa releases step-by-step gu… 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 Ghana Ghana

Ituri's Ebola response has expanded testing to over 2,000 daily screenings as cases continue to rise across eastern DRC. Health authorities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo say Ebola case detection capacity has increased dramatically in Ituri Province, with daily testing rising from just nine screenings to more than 2,000 tests per day, according to a report by local media. The figures were presented during a high-level briefing in Bunia on June 18 attended by ministers responsible for Public Health, Communication, and Social Affairs. Dr. Lola, a member of the Ebola response team, said the improvement reflects stronger community engagement and better coordination between the provincial government, national authorities, and international partners. According to health officials, response structures are now operational across all 36 health zones in Ituri, although the outbreak is currently affecting 20 of them. Community health relays have played a critical role by quickly reporting suspected cases and helping authorities respond faster. The testing expansion comes as the province remains the epicenter of the latest Ebola outbreak in the DRC. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, which currently has no approved vaccine, according to the World Health Organization . Health authorities also reported that Ituri now has nine Ebola treatment centers with a combined capacity of more than 500 beds. Officials say these facilities have helped improve patient care and increase survival rates. Another encouraging sign is the growing number of recoveries. Response teams reported 78 patients have recovered from the disease, which they describe as evidence that treatment and containment strategies are producing results. The latest figures show that 33 days after the outbreak was officially declared, the DRC had recorded 896 confirmed Ebola cases and 232 deaths across three affected provinces. Ituri alone accounts for 827 confirmed infections, representing the overwhelming majority of cases reported nationwide. The continued expansion of testing, surveillance, and treatment capacity remains central to efforts by Congolese authorities and international partners to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WHO continue to support monitoring and response efforts as the health emergency evolves. Continue Reading Full Article HEALTH NEWS Ituri Ebola Testing Capacity Surges Past 2,000 Daily Tests By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Jun 19, 2026 Jun 19, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Health authorities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo say Ebola case detection capacity has increased dramatically in Ituri Province, with daily testing rising from just nine screenings to more than 2,000 tests per day, according to a report by local media. The figures were presented during a high-level briefing in Bunia on June 18 attended by ministers responsible for Public Health, Communication, and Social Affairs. Dr. Lola, a member of the Ebola response team, said the improvement reflects stronger community engagement and better coordination between the provincial government, national authorities, and international partners. According to health officials, response structures are now operational across all 36 health zones in Ituri, although the outbreak is currently affecting 20 of them. Community health relays have played a critical role by quickly reporting suspected cases and helping authorities respond faster. ADVERTISEMENT The testing expansion comes as the province remains the epicenter of the latest Ebola outbreak in the DRC. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, which currently has no approved vaccine, according to the World Health Organization . Health authorities also reported that Ituri now has nine Ebola treatment centers with a combined capacity of more than 500 beds. Officials say these facilities have helped improve patient care and increase survival rates. Another encouraging sign is the growing number of recoveries. Response teams reported 78 patients have recovered from the disease, which they describe as evidence that treatment and containment strategies are producing results. ADVERTISEMENT The latest figures show that 33 days after the outbreak was officially declared, the DRC had recorded 896 confirmed Ebola cases and 232 deaths across three affected provinces. Ituri alone accounts for 827 confirmed infections, representing the overwhelming majority of cases reported nationwide. The continued expansion of testing, surveillance, and treatment capacity remains central to efforts by Congolese authorities and international partners to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WHO continue to support monitoring and response efforts as the health emergency evolves. 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 DR Congo News DR Congo News Health Health

Understanding the Real Progress and Challenges Ahead In a recent unfolding surrounding the Uganda Refinery Project, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has stepped forward to address and correct certain inaccuracies reported in an article by the New Vision Newspaper on March 28th, 2024. The article, titled "MUSEVENI ORDERS RENEWAL OF REFINERY CONTRACT," suggested that the Albertine Graben Energy Consortium (AGEC) had successfully met all the required milestones as per the Project Framework Agreement (PFA) and was moving towards the Final Investment Decision (FID) with confidence. However, the Ministry wishes to shed light on the actual situation, stating that AGEC did not meet several crucial deliverables within the stipulated deadlines, leading to the termination of the agreement on June 30th, 2023. This development underscores the complexities and stringent requirements involved in such a significant national project. Key Areas of Concern: Financial Commitments: AGEC did not secure commitment letters from lenders for the full amount of required debt before reaching the FID. Equity Investment: There were no signed commitment letters from equity investors, raising concerns about the financial robustness of the project. Environmental and Social Oversight: The crucial Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) remains incomplete, delaying further project milestones. Project Pricing and Viability: The absence of a submitted lump sum turnkey price for the project and the execution of a Commercial Viability Assessment (CVA) are significant red flags. Advisory and Procurement: The procurement of a qualified financial advisor and other procedural requirements were not met, indicating gaps in project management and oversight. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 30, 2024 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Museveni orders renewal of refinery project Understanding the Real Progress and Challenges Ahead In a recent unfolding surrounding the Uganda Refinery Project, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has stepped forward to address and correct certain inaccuracies reported in an article by the New Vision Newspaper on March 28th, 2024. The article, titled "MUSEVENI ORDERS RENEWAL OF REFINERY CONTRACT," suggested that the Albertine Graben Energy Consortium (AGEC) had successfully met all the required milestones as per the Project Framework Agreement (PFA) and was moving towards the Final Investment Decision (FID) with confidence. ADVERTISEMENT However, the Ministry wishes to shed light on the actual situation, stating that AGEC did not meet several crucial deliverables within the stipulated deadlines, leading to the termination of the agreement on June 30th, 2023. This development underscores the complexities and stringent requirements involved in such a significant national project. Key Areas of Concern: Financial Commitments: AGEC did not secure commitment letters from lenders for the full amount of required debt before reaching the FID. Equity Investment: There were no signed commitment letters from equity investors, raising concerns about the financial robustness of the project. Environmental and Social Oversight: The crucial Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) remains incomplete, delaying further project milestones. Project Pricing and Viability: The absence of a submitted lump sum turnkey price for the project and the execution of a Commercial Viability Assessment (CVA) are significant red flags. Advisory and Procurement: The procurement of a qualified financial advisor and other procedural requirements were not met, indicating gaps in project management and oversight. Moving Forward: The Ministry encourages AGEC to engage with the new investor group to explore possible participation under a new arrangement . This approach aims to inject fresh momentum into the project, ensuring that it aligns with Uganda's energy sector goals and provides tangible benefits to the Ugandan people. The Uganda Refinery Project is a cornerstone of the nation's energy infrastructure development strategy. While challenges remain, the government's commitment to transparency, due diligence, and strategic partnerships is unwavering. Stakeholders are urged to rely on official communications for accurate updates and to support the collaborative effort towards energy self-sufficiency. 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

Explore Joseph Kabila's biography, age, wife, children, presidency from 2001 to 2019, election record, 2025 verdict, US sanctions and 2026 FRN. Joseph Kabila Kabange, born on 4 June 1971, served as president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from January 2001 until January 2019. He inherited the presidency after the assassination of his father, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, oversaw negotiations that helped bring an end to a regional war, and won the country's presidential elections in 2006 and 2011. His administration also faced criticism over political repression, contested voting and the delay of elections beyond his second elected term. In October 2026, Kabila became president of a newly announced politico-military front, the Front pour la refondation de la nation (FRN), linking a former head of state to the country's continuing eastern conflict. His life is inseparable from the promises, conflicts and unfinished transitions of modern Congo. Who is Joseph Kabila? Joseph Kabila Kabange is a Congolese former president who governed the DRC from 2001 to 2019. Born in South Kivu in 1971, he succeeded his assassinated father, won two presidential elections, and later became a central figure in disputes involving eastern Congo, a 2025 military-court sentence, U.S. sanctions and the 2026 FRN coalition. From a rebel family's childhood to national leadership Kabila was born in Hewa Bora II , in the Fizi territory of what is now South Kivu province, on 4 June 1971 . The DRC presidency's official archive confirms that date and place, as does the U.S. Treasury's later identity record. On 13 October 2026, he was 55 years old . His father's name, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, would become one of the best-known in modern Congolese politics; his mother is publicly identified in an archived presidential biography as Sifa Mahanya. The elder Kabila was an opponent of Mobutu Sese Seko, whose long dictatorship governed a country then known as Zaire. Joseph's childhood unfolded while his father was involved in political and guerrilla activity. That context matters more than legends about the family: the son's first political environment was a movement operating outside the institutions he would eventually inherit. His twin sister, Jaynet Kabila, also became a prominent public figure and legislator. Their brother Zoé later entered politics and business. Much of Kabila's youth was spent across the border in Tanzania . An archived biography prepared by a presidential spokesperson in 2007 says he began primary school in the Fizi area and continued his education in Dar es Salaam before completing secondary studies in Tanzania. It records subsequent military training there. Such official-era accounts describe his path from schooling toward the armed movement rather than a conventional political apprenticeship in Kinshasa. When Laurent-Désiré Kabila's Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (AFDL) advanced against Mobutu in 1996 and 1997, Joseph Kabila took military responsibilities in that campaign. Contemporary humanitarian reporting published in 2006 traces his rise as a rebel commander during the First Congo War. After the movement took Kinshasa in 1997, the younger Kabila undertook military training in China. He subsequently held senior positions in the new Congolese armed forces. It is important not to confuse the father's government with the son's later presidency. Laurent-Désiré Kabila replaced Mobutu in 1997 and led the state during the opening years of the Second Congo War, which began in 1998. Joseph Kabila inherited the office in the middle of that conflict. The armies, foreign governments and armed movements involved in it had interests extending far beyond any single family or political party. Why Joseph Kabila became president in 2001 Continue Reading Full Article BIOGRAPHY Joseph Kabila Biography: Age, Family, Presidency and 2026 FRN By Truce Elikia Art & Culture Journalist Truce Elikia Home Comment Oct 13, 2026 Oct 13, 2026 22 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Joseph Kabila Kabange, born on 4 June 1971, served as president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from January 2001 until January 2019. He inherited the presidency after the assassination of his father, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, oversaw negotiations that helped bring an end to a regional war, and won the country's presidential elections in 2006 and 2011. His administration also faced criticism over political repression, contested voting and the delay of elections beyond his second elected term. In October 2026, Kabila became president of a newly announced politico-military front, the Front pour la refondation de la nation (FRN), linking a former head of state to the country's continuing eastern conflict. His life is inseparable from the promises, conflicts and unfinished transitions of modern Congo. Who is Joseph Kabila? Joseph Kabila Kabange is a Congolese former president who governed the DRC from 2001 to 2019. Born in South Kivu in 1971, he succeeded his assassinated father, won two presidential elections, and later became a central figure in disputes involving eastern Congo, a 2025 military-court sentence, U.S. sanctions and the 2026 FRN coalition. From a rebel family's childhood to national leadership Kabila was born in Hewa Bora II , in the Fizi territory of what is now South Kivu province, on 4 June 1971 . The DRC presidency's official archive confirms that date and place, as does the U.S. Treasury's later identity record. On 13 October 2026, he was 55 years old . His father's name, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, would become one of the best-known in modern Congolese politics; his mother is publicly identified in an archived presidential biography as Sifa Mahanya. The elder Kabila was an opponent of Mobutu Sese Seko, whose long dictatorship governed a country then known as Zaire. Joseph's childhood unfolded while his father was involved in political and guerrilla activity. That context matters more than legends about the family: the son's first political environment was a movement operating outside the institutions he would eventually inherit. His twin sister, Jaynet Kabila, also became a prominent public figure and legislator. Their brother Zoé later entered politics and business. Much of Kabila's youth was spent across the border in Tanzania . An archived biography prepared by a presidential spokesperson in 2007 says he began primary school in the Fizi area and continued his education in Dar es Salaam before completing secondary studies in Tanzania. It records subsequent military training there. Such official-era accounts describe his path from schooling toward the armed movement rather than a conventional political apprenticeship in Kinshasa. When Laurent-Désiré Kabila's Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (AFDL) advanced against Mobutu in 1996 and 1997, Joseph Kabila took military responsibilities in that campaign. Contemporary humanitarian reporting published in 2006 traces his rise as a rebel commander during the First Congo War. After the movement took Kinshasa in 1997, the younger Kabila undertook military training in China. He subsequently held senior positions in the new Congolese armed forces. It is important not to confuse the father's government with the son's later presidency. Laurent-Désiré Kabila replaced Mobutu in 1997 and led the state during the opening years of the Second Congo War, which began in 1998. Joseph Kabila inherited the office in the middle of that conflict. The armies, foreign governments and armed movements involved in it had interests extending far beyond any single family or political party. Why Joseph Kabila became president in 2001 Laurent-Désiré Kabila was assassinated on 16 January 2001 . Ten days later, on 26 January 2001 , Joseph Kabila was sworn in as president. The official presidential history places him at the age of 29 when he took office. He did not initially win the presidency through a national election: his rise was an extraordinary succession during wartime, after his father's murder. The government controlled only part of the territory. Rival rebel administrations, foreign troops and local armed forces dominated other regions. Joseph Kabila faced the task of establishing a credible national negotiating position while competing military and political blocs still exercised authority. In contrast with his father's confrontational approach to some external actors, the younger president pursued broader diplomacy with neighbouring states and international mediators. The negotiations led to a comprehensive political agreement in December 2002 and a transition that brought former belligerents into a national power-sharing structure. The transitional period included four vice-presidents representing significant political and armed constituencies. These institutions were meant to move the country away from partition and prepare national elections. A presidency made possible by wartime succession was beginning to seek electoral legitimacy. The transition did not instantly eliminate violence. Militias continued to operate, especially in eastern provinces, and rebuilding the national army presented enormous challenges. Nevertheless, the move from regional warfare toward a national transitional framework was a defining development of Kabila's early presidency. His governing record therefore begins with an authentic peace process, even though later security failures were profound. Winning the 2006 presidential election The 2006 elections were a landmark for a country that had lived through dictatorship, state collapse and successive wars. The election process gave millions of citizens a chance to choose a president and legislature through a competitive national vote. Kabila faced Jean-Pierre Bemba , a former rebel leader and one of the vice-presidents in the transition, in a second-round contest. Kabila won the runoff with approximately 58% of the vote , according to the contemporary record. The contest was not free from intimidation or danger: armed confrontations between forces aligned with the two camps disrupted Kinshasa, and Bemba disputed the outcome. The Carter Center's election work in Congo provides an independent institutional account of the period's historic democratic opportunity and shortcomings. On 6 December 2006 , Kabila took the oath under the new constitutional order. His victory gave an electoral foundation to a presidency he had previously occupied by succession. But the new republic still faced the difficult question of whether state agencies, soldiers, local administrators and courts could operate independently of powerful political networks. His governing vehicle was the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) , supported by wider alliances that changed over the years. The party's importance was not only electoral. It became a mechanism through which Kabila's presidential circle engaged provincial leaders, parliamentary allies and officials across the state. The reach of those networks would later help explain his residual influence after he left office. The 2011 re-election and the limits of electoral credibility Kabila stood again in 2011 , against a field including opposition leader Étienne Tshisekedi . Official provisional returns credited the incumbent with about 49% and Étienne Tshisekedi with about 32% , but independent observers challenged the integrity of the result. The Carter Center's 2011 election findings assessed serious failures in tabulation and concluded that the announced presidential results lacked credibility. ADVERTISEMENT Those findings must be understood precisely. The commission declared Kabila the winner, and he stayed in office. But the international observation assessment undercut the claim that the reported figures provided a reliably verified expression of the electorate's choice. Étienne Tshisekedi disputed the official outcome. The gap between legal declaration and public trust became a recurring feature of the political climate. This episode distinguished the two elected terms. The 2006 poll was a turning point after war, even with major problems. The 2011 process deepened doubts about institutional independence and accountability. Political opponents increasingly treated competition with the president as a question not only of winning votes but also of whether electoral rules would be implemented impartially. War in eastern Congo during Kabila's presidency Security was a test no Congolese president could avoid. North Kivu, South Kivu and neighbouring areas continued to suffer attacks by armed groups, forced displacement, sexual violence and struggles over local power and trade routes. Different phases of fighting involved Congolese forces, foreign support, and insurgent movements with shifting alliances. A national presidency in Kinshasa did not amount to uncontested authority over the east. The M23 movement , which emerged in 2012, seized territory and posed an acute threat to the Congolese state. In 2013, the army, working in an environment transformed by the UN mission's intervention brigade, pushed M23 from major positions. A United Nations Security Council statement of November 2013 welcomed the end of that rebellion's hostilities while calling for disarmament and durable political settlement. The result was a significant military and diplomatic moment for Kabila's government. But the UN also emphasised that defeating one armed group did not resolve the region's underlying problems. Other militias continued to operate, civilian protection remained difficult, and weak local institutions exposed many communities to violence. Later M23 resurgence showed why a single military victory could not be treated as final peace. Accounts of Kabila's rule must also examine the conduct of security forces under his authority. Human-rights organisations documented abuses by both armed groups and government units. During the 2016 political crisis, Human Rights Watch reported that senior Congolese security officers had recruited former M23 fighters to suppress anti-government protests. These were documented findings of a human-rights investigation , not a substitute for individual criminal judgments. They complicate any simple claim that Kabila's administration was consistently aligned with or against every M23 faction throughout its history. The constitutional crisis after 2016 Kabila's second elected term was scheduled to expire in December 2016 under the country's constitutional two-term framework. Elections were not held on schedule, and he remained in office. The government and electoral authorities pointed to logistical and registration problems, while opponents accused the ruling camp of deliberately extending the presidency. The unresolved election timetable became a national confrontation. Protests were met with severe repression. Human Rights Watch's 2018 country report documented killings, arrests and restrictions against political activists and journalists during the delay. A Catholic Church-mediated agreement reached in December 2016 promised elections and political de-escalation, but its implementation was disputed. The failure to deliver a timely vote damaged confidence in the constitutional system. Kabila eventually did not stand for a third elected term. His supporters could point to the fact that he ultimately handed over power; critics could point to the two-year delay and violence associated with the transition. These are not contradictory facts. Both the transfer and the repression belong in the same political history. The stakes were particularly high because the DRC had never achieved such a peaceful transfer of presidential authority since independence in 1960. The election of a successor would test whether leadership could finally change without a coup, assassination or renewed national war. The 2018 election and the transfer to Félix Tshisekedi Presidential elections were finally held in December 2018 , and opposition figure Félix Tshisekedi , son of Étienne Tshisekedi, was declared the winner. The results were contested, including by opposition candidate Martin Fayulu, and outside observers raised serious transparency concerns. Kabila did not stand as a candidate. He supported the governing camp's candidate, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, who was not declared the winner. In January 2019 , Kabila left the presidency and Tshisekedi took office. The Carter Center's 2018 election review describes this as the country's first peaceful transfer of presidential power since independence, while stressing that serious limitations in transparency impaired the process's credibility. It is possible to acknowledge both the constitutional importance of the handover and the unresolved questions about the result. Kabila did not immediately lose political relevance. His political coalition, the Front commun pour le Congo (FCC) , retained considerable parliamentary strength, and Tshisekedi initially governed through a coalition involving Kabila-aligned parties. The structure required cooperation between rival political camps and produced tensions over cabinet composition, appointments and policy direction. The coalition later fractured as Tshisekedi sought to consolidate a new parliamentary majority. Kabila's period as president had ended, but the dispute over the institutions and networks formed during his government continued. The former leader acquired the status of senator for life under the institutional arrangement for ex-presidents; that status would become important during later legal proceedings. Wealth, business connections and questions of governance Kabila's political legacy is also tied to transparency around Congo's mineral wealth and the business interests of its governing elite. The country has extraordinary deposits of copper, cobalt, gold and other resources, yet much of the population has not experienced corresponding levels of public prosperity. Questions about who receives state contracts and benefits from mineral transactions were therefore central during his presidency. In an investigation supported by the Pulitzer Center , journalists traced holdings of the wider Kabila family across more than 80 companies and interests spanning sectors such as mining, farming, real estate and telecommunications. The investigation raised questions about conflicts of interest and oversight. Crucially, it did not conclude that every holding was illegal, and it said the precise value of the family's assets could not be established from public documents. ADVERTISEMENT That distinction matters. A documented company interest is not, by itself, a criminal conviction or proof of personal wrongdoing. Nor can a family's aggregate assets be responsibly converted into a precise personal Joseph Kabila net worth figure. The significance of the investigation lies in the evidence of extensive commercial connections and the accompanying governance questions, rather than an invented billionaire ranking. The country's minerals-for-infrastructure agreements, dealings involving politically connected businesspeople, and state revenue management became enduring subjects of debate. Supporters of Kabila's administration emphasised roads, reconstruction and the return of international investment. Critics pointed to opaque contracts, weak public services and the concentration of opportunity among well-connected actors. A serious biography places economic initiatives and independent scrutiny side by side. Wife, children and family relationships Kabila's spouse is Marie-Olive Lembe di Sita , often known as Olive Lembe Kabila , who served as first lady during his presidency. The couple held a public marriage ceremony in June 2006 in Kinshasa. Contemporary reporting by The New Humanitarian and an official-era presidential account independently document the marriage. The former first lady also pursued public charity and healthcare initiatives under her own name. Their family includes a publicly documented daughter and son. Reporting from the earlier presidential period identified their daughter, while an October 2008 report based on the Congolese Press Agency records the official birth registration of their son. Their children are not public officeholders in their father's historical role, and details of their private education, residence and daily life are not essential to understanding his presidency. Kabila's twin sister Jaynet Kabila has held public political roles, and his brother Zoé Kabila has also been prominent in Congolese politics. Their individual careers should not be confused with Joseph Kabila's own offices or legal record. The family's political reach grew during the years in which Joseph occupied the presidency, but members' business and political activities require separate evidence when attributing responsibility. Return to public attention and the 2025 military trial After leaving office, Kabila adopted a less visible public posture for extended periods. Tensions with the Tshisekedi administration nevertheless intensified, particularly over accusations that former Kabila allies were connected to the AFC/M23 rebellion in eastern Congo. In a 2024 report from Le Monde , his associates rejected accusations of cooperation with the armed coalition, while the report carefully distinguished party members' actions from proof against the former president himself. Kabila returned to Goma in 2025 , when the city was under the control of the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 rebellion, drawing scrutiny from authorities and renewed attention to his future political role. A Congolese Senate vote in May 2025 removed his immunity for prosecution, allowing a military case to proceed. Proceedings took place in absentia , meaning he was not present in court. On 30 September 2025 , the DRC's High Military Court sentenced him to death in absentia on charges including treason and war crimes relating to the conflict and the rebel movement. Contemporary Africanews reporting of the judgment and Reuters footage of the court decision confirm the verdict and procedural status. Kabila rejected the accusations and characterised the trial as politically motivated. The legal terms cannot be collapsed into one another. He was convicted and sentenced by a Congolese military court , not merely accused; a sentence in absentia is not proof of a subsequent arrest or execution. The judgment is a domestic legal finding. Reporting its existence accurately does not remove the need to report that Kabila disputes the process or to distinguish it from separate international actions. XTRAfrica's earlier report on Kabila's death sentence details that 2025 decision. A separate profile of the military-court president traces the magistrate who pronounced that judgment. Related coverage of the former president's return to the eastern DRC explains why his presence in Goma became politically consequential. Why the United States sanctioned Kabila in April 2026 On 30 April 2026 , the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control ( OFAC ) designated Joseph Kabila under its DR Congo sanctions programme. In its official sanctions announcement , the department stated that it was acting over his support for M23 and the AFC. This is an official U.S. sanctions decision, separate from the Congolese military-court judgment. Treasury said the designation blocks property and interests in property under U.S. jurisdiction and generally restricts transactions by U.S. persons involving the sanctioned individual, subject to applicable rules. The department also laid out allegations involving attempts to build support for the rebel alliance and encourage military defections. Those statements should be attributed to the U.S. government rather than presented as independently adjudicated events. The underlying OFAC listing for Joseph Kabange Kabila identifies his birth date and links the designation to M23 and the Congo River Alliance. Financial sanctions are not the same thing as an international arrest warrant, and the Treasury announcement does not establish that every foreign government must enforce the Congolese court's sentence. The sanctions intensified a transformation in Kabila's public standing. The president who had once negotiated regional peace, won elections and ultimately transferred power was now the subject of a severe domestic judgment and targeted U.S. financial restrictions. His supporters challenged the motivations of the Congolese case; his critics treated his actions and associations as part of the country's ongoing security crisis. Both the chronology and the differences in legal status matter. For context, XTRAfrica has a separate guide to the legal implications of the U.S. sanctions , which should be read alongside the official OFAC notice rather than used as a substitute for it. October 2026: Joseph Kabila and the new FRN On 12 October 2026 , a political declaration issued in Goma announced the Front pour la refondation de la nation (FRN) and placed Joseph Kabila at its head. The declaration described a new political-military arrangement involving figures from the AFC and the M23 rebellion. The launch, also covered by Associated Press , was a significant new public step by Kabila after years of disputed allegations about his connection to the eastern insurgency. 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 movement's declaration, examined by Actualite.cd , says the FRN succeeds the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) , the political coalition previously associated with the Rwanda-backed M23. It names political and military figures including Corneille Nangaa , Bertrand Bisimwa and Sultani Makenga in senior positions. The declaration explicitly allows for the use of force in pursuing its political objectives. There are important limits to what the announcement proves. The declaration refers to ending and replacing the AFC as an organisation; it does not independently establish that M23 ceased to exist as a distinct armed movement. Nor does language about possible force establish that a particular offensive began on the announcement date. The group's stated aims belong to its own political document, while its actual operations require separate reporting. The FRN also complicated an already difficult landscape of peace talks and regional diplomacy. The DRC government rejects armed challenges to its authority, while the involvement of Rwanda-backed M23 remains central to the security dispute. Regional actors, the United States and Qatar have been involved in different negotiating tracks. The designation of a new coalition head raised questions about who could speak for the armed bloc, but the 12 October announcement did not itself settle negotiating mandates or produce a peace agreement. Kabila's new leadership role drew objections from some figures who had previously worked in or around his political camp. An earlier XTRAfrica report on Jean-Pierre Bemba's criticism covers the wider political dispute preceding the FRN declaration. Those objections do not establish that all former PPRD members took the same position. The distinction between leaving a party role, rejecting an armed strategy and supporting the current government remains important. Even decades after the AFDL captured Kinshasa, the question of how armed organisations become political authorities had returned to the centre of Kabila's career. Timeline of Joseph Kabila's life and political career A legacy that cannot be reduced to one event Joseph Kabila governed Congo for almost eighteen years, far longer than a single elected term. His early years were marked by a transition from regional war to national negotiations and elections. The 2006 ballot demonstrated that a country broken by conflict could again organise a competitive national vote, though institutions remained fragile. The later delay of elections and the crackdown on demonstrators exposed the weaknesses of the political order his administration had helped construct. His record in eastern Congo is equally difficult to simplify. Government forces recorded a major victory over M23 in 2013 with important international support, while other armed movements continued to terrorise civilians. His presidency helped bring some state structures together while serious abuses and corruption concerns remained. Congo's transfer of power in 2019 was historically important, but the transparency of the election itself was criticised by credible observers. The events of 2025 and 2026 transformed the terms of the debate. Kabila is not simply a former president defending his legacy in retirement: he has become the subject of a domestic death sentence, an American sanctions designation and, by October 2026, the announced leadership of a politico-military front. Whether those developments will change the course of Congo's conflict is not established by a declaration alone. What is clear is that Kabila's political story remains unfinished. Joseph Kabila FAQs How old is Joseph Kabila in 2026? Joseph Kabila was born on 4 June 1971 . He turned 55 on 4 June 2026, so he was 55 on 13 October 2026. Where was Joseph Kabila born? He was born in Hewa Bora II , in the Fizi territory of today's South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Who are Joseph Kabila's parents? His parents are identified in archived presidential records as Laurent-Désiré Kabila , who was president from 1997 until his assassination in 2001, and Sifa Mahanya . Who is Joseph Kabila's wife? He married Marie-Olive Lembe di Sita , widely known as Olive Lembe Kabila , in a public wedding ceremony in Kinshasa in June 2006 . She served as first lady during his presidency. How many children does Joseph Kabila have? Two children are publicly documented in credible reporting from the presidential period: a daughter and a son. This biography does not reproduce private details about their present lives. When was Joseph Kabila president of DR Congo? He served from 26 January 2001 to January 2019 . His first years followed wartime succession; his later years followed election victories in 2006 and 2011. Why was Joseph Kabila sentenced to death? On 30 September 2025 , a Congolese military court convicted and sentenced him in absentia in a case connected to alleged support for the AFC/M23 rebellion and other serious charges. He disputed the case and called it politically motivated. The sentence is not a statement that he was executed. Is Joseph Kabila under U.S. sanctions? Yes. The U.S. Treasury designated him on 30 April 2026 for what it described as material support to M23 and the AFC . OFAC financial restrictions are legally distinct from his DRC military-court judgment. What is the FRN and why is Kabila its leader? The Front pour la refondation de la nation is a political-military front announced in Goma on 12 October 2026 . Its declaration named Kabila president and said the group would succeed the AFC. The announcement did not, by itself, establish that M23 disappeared as a separate armed organisation. What did Joseph Kabila achieve, and why is he controversial? His presidency included a major peace transition, national elections and the 2019 transfer of power. It also included disputed election results, repression during election delays, continuing insecurity, and questions about business influence. His later conviction, sanctions and FRN role added further controversy. 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 . 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Burna Boy has invested nearly ₦19bn in rare and customized luxury cars over five years, building one of Africa’s most valuable celebrity garages. Nigerian Grammy Award-winning musician Burna Boy has spent the past five years building one of Africa’s most valuable celebrity car collections, with an estimated value approaching ₦19 billion. The Afro-fusion star is widely recognized for his interest in exotic automobiles, treating car ownership as an extension of his identity and artistic expression. For Burna Boy, vehicles serve not only as a mode of transportation but also as symbols of style, success, and personal taste. His garage includes a selection of rare hypercars, luxury SUVs, and customized models sourced from across Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world. According to a car detailer who has worked on several of the artist’s vehicles and requested anonymity, Burna Boy demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring his cars meet precise standards. The detailer said the musician has spent billions of naira on custom modifications and has flown specialists abroad to acquire specific components. “Burna is very particular about what he wants. He doesn’t mind spending billions to get it right,” the expert stated. The centrepiece of the collection is the McLaren Senna Carbon Fibre Edition, one of only 15 units produced globally. The vehicle cost approximately $2 million before import charges, totaling around ₦3.2 billion in Nigeria. The hypercar, designed as a road-legal track vehicle, reflects the exclusivity that defines Burna Boy’s automotive choices. In December 2024, he added the Ferrari Purosangue—Ferrari’s first SUV—to his fleet. While the international price is around $500,000, import fees increased the final cost to roughly ₦2.1 billion. Burna Boy owns at least five different Ferrari models, underscoring his preference for the brand. His fleet also includes several other high-performance and exotic vehicles, each selected for its rarity, design, and performance profile. Burna Boy’s attention to detail and willingness to invest heavily in customization have contributed to the reputation of his collection as one of the most sophisticated among African entertainers. As of November 2025, Burna Boy holds the distinction of owning the most expensive car collection of any Nigerian musician. His garage serves as a reflection of both his global success and his longstanding dedication to luxury automotive craftsmanship. Continue Reading Full Article NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT Burna Boy’s Luxury Car Collection Nears ₦19bn in Five-Year Spending By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Nov 30, 2025 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Nigerian Grammy Award-winning musician Burna Boy has spent the past five years building one of Africa’s most valuable celebrity car collections, with an estimated value approaching ₦19 billion. The Afro-fusion star is widely recognized for his interest in exotic automobiles, treating car ownership as an extension of his identity and artistic expression. For Burna Boy, vehicles serve not only as a mode of transportation but also as symbols of style, success, and personal taste. His garage includes a selection of rare hypercars, luxury SUVs, and customized models sourced from across Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world. ADVERTISEMENT According to a car detailer who has worked on several of the artist’s vehicles and requested anonymity, Burna Boy demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring his cars meet precise standards. The detailer said the musician has spent billions of naira on custom modifications and has flown specialists abroad to acquire specific components. “Burna is very particular about what he wants. He doesn’t mind spending billions to get it right,” the expert stated. The centrepiece of the collection is the McLaren Senna Carbon Fibre Edition, one of only 15 units produced globally. The vehicle cost approximately $2 million before import charges, totaling around ₦3.2 billion in Nigeria. The hypercar, designed as a road-legal track vehicle, reflects the exclusivity that defines Burna Boy’s automotive choices. ADVERTISEMENT In December 2024, he added the Ferrari Purosangue—Ferrari’s first SUV—to his fleet. While the international price is around $500,000, import fees increased the final cost to roughly ₦2.1 billion. Burna Boy owns at least five different Ferrari models, underscoring his preference for the brand. His fleet also includes several other high-performance and exotic vehicles, each selected for its rarity, design, and performance profile. Burna Boy’s attention to detail and willingness to invest heavily in customization have contributed to the reputation of his collection as one of the most sophisticated among African entertainers. 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 Entertainment Rema Kigali Concert Moves Forward as Early-Bird Tickets Sell Out . War in DR Congo Rema Faces Calls to Cancel Rwanda Show After Tems’ Withdrawal . Entertainment Bruce Melodie Sparks Talk of Tension With Coach Gael . Entertainment Kigali to Host Bob Marley Tribute Reggae Concert . Entertainment Miss Muyango, DJ Brianne End Professional Partnership . ADVERTISEMENT As of November 2025, Burna Boy holds the distinction of owning the most expensive car collection of any Nigerian musician. His garage serves as a reflection of both his global success and his longstanding dedication to luxury automotive craftsmanship. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Entertainment Rema Kigali Concert Moves Forward as Early-Bird Tickets Sell Out Discounted tickets are gone, while regular sales continue despite calls for Rema to reconsider. . War in DR Congo Rema Faces Calls to Cancel Rwanda Show After Tems’ Withdrawal Congolese users urge Rema to reconsider his Kwita Izina concert as debate over the DRC . Entertainment Bruce Melodie Sparks Talk of Tension With Coach Gael The Rwandan star’s Summer Country Tour has fueled fresh debate around his management team. . Entertainment Kigali to Host Bob Marley Tribute Reggae Concert Mighty Popo says Bob Marley helped many Africans reconnect with their identity . Tags Rwandan Entertainment Rwandan Entertainment Musics Musics

Kenya's Rironi–Naivasha highway has advanced earthworks and a new December opening target. Explore costs, contractors, tolls and regional trade impacts. NAIROBI, Kenya — 3 November 2026. Engineers overseeing Kenya's Rironi–Naivasha highway expansion say substantial earthworks have passed 90% on sections of the project, as the government works towards opening much of the route before the December holiday travel period. The update follows the expiry of an earlier October opening deadline, while paving and other construction remain unfinished. The 3 November report by The Star quoted Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) engineers describing progress on earthworks and drainage. A 2 November statement from Kenya's State Department for Roads separately reported the first layer of road surfacing at Lari and reaffirmed the year-end target for the Nairobi–Naivasha section. Is Kenya's Rironi–Naivasha highway 90% complete? Engineers have reported progress beyond 90% on major earthworks, but that should not be mistaken for a verified 90% completion rate for the entire highway. Government officials now target a December 2026 opening for key sections, with work continuing elsewhere along the wider corridor. What has actually been completed? The most useful distinction is between work done on the ground and a road ready to carry traffic. KeNHA resident engineer Kibet Terigin told The Star that the works had progressed beyond 90%, explaining that much of the earthwork had been completed. Earthwork includes excavating, shaping and preparing the roadbed; it is an essential stage, but not the final road surface. Engineer Anthony Omach, responsible for the Gilgil–Mau Summit section, described drainage structures and culverts as more than 90% complete and said pavement work was expected to follow. These were observations about particular types of work and locations, not a published certification that all 233 kilometres were 90% finished. The government's 31 October inspection, reported on 2 November , provides another tangible measure: a first layer of dense bituminous macadam had been laid at Lari. That is a documented paving milestone. It does not establish that every interchange, safety barrier, toll station or connecting carriageway has been completed. For drivers, the practical question remains which specific carriageway segments will open, under what traffic management arrangements and on which confirmed dates. An assurance that most sections will be open by Christmas is a target, not an opening notice for the whole corridor. A 233-kilometre project with different sections and contractors Continue Reading Full Article TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS Kenya's Rironi–Naivasha Highway: 90% Earthworks, December Target By Otieno kevin News Editor Otieno kevin Home Comment Nov 3, 2026 Nov 3, 2026 8 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: NAIROBI, Kenya — 3 November 2026. Engineers overseeing Kenya's Rironi–Naivasha highway expansion say substantial earthworks have passed 90% on sections of the project, as the government works towards opening much of the route before the December holiday travel period. The update follows the expiry of an earlier October opening deadline, while paving and other construction remain unfinished. The 3 November report by The Star quoted Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) engineers describing progress on earthworks and drainage. A 2 November statement from Kenya's State Department for Roads separately reported the first layer of road surfacing at Lari and reaffirmed the year-end target for the Nairobi–Naivasha section. Is Kenya's Rironi–Naivasha highway 90% complete? Engineers have reported progress beyond 90% on major earthworks, but that should not be mistaken for a verified 90% completion rate for the entire highway. Government officials now target a December 2026 opening for key sections, with work continuing elsewhere along the wider corridor. What has actually been completed? The most useful distinction is between work done on the ground and a road ready to carry traffic. KeNHA resident engineer Kibet Terigin told The Star that the works had progressed beyond 90%, explaining that much of the earthwork had been completed. Earthwork includes excavating, shaping and preparing the roadbed; it is an essential stage, but not the final road surface. Engineer Anthony Omach, responsible for the Gilgil–Mau Summit section, described drainage structures and culverts as more than 90% complete and said pavement work was expected to follow. These were observations about particular types of work and locations, not a published certification that all 233 kilometres were 90% finished. The government's 31 October inspection, reported on 2 November , provides another tangible measure: a first layer of dense bituminous macadam had been laid at Lari. That is a documented paving milestone. It does not establish that every interchange, safety barrier, toll station or connecting carriageway has been completed. For drivers, the practical question remains which specific carriageway segments will open, under what traffic management arrangements and on which confirmed dates. An assurance that most sections will be open by Christmas is a target, not an opening notice for the whole corridor. ADVERTISEMENT A 233-kilometre project with different sections and contractors The programme covers approximately 233 kilometres of upgrades and dualling on the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit A8 route and the Rironi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha A8 South connection. These roads serve Kenyan passengers, commercial vehicles and cross-border cargo moving toward Uganda. The State Department for Roads' launch announcement in November 2025 described an initial 139-kilometre public-private partnership involving China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and Kenya's National Social Security Fund (NSSF), with an announced project value of US$863 million , a two-year construction period and a subsequent 28-year operating period. The wider programme also involves Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International on the Gilgil–Nakuru–Mau Summit section. The government's May 2026 PPP inspection report distinguishes the CRBC–NSSF works around Rironi, Maai Mahiu, Naivasha and Gilgil from the Shandong-led extension toward Mau Summit. That distinction matters when comparing completion percentages or construction deadlines. In July, Citizen Digital reported a combined project estimate of about KSh184 billion , with different cost allocations for the two packages. The government's US$863 million figure concerns its stated first-phase arrangement; it is not an interchangeable total for all 233 kilometres. Cost comparisons require a consistent scope, date and currency basis. The works are planned to include dual carriageways, drainage, interchanges, safety measures and toll facilities. The government's PPP model provides for private partners to finance, build and operate infrastructure under long-term concession arrangements before transfer, rather than treating the full cost as one ordinary annual road-budget expenditure. Why the opening date moved from October to December The deadline has changed. On 10 September, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the Rironi–Naivasha section would open by 30 October 2026 , according to Citizen Digital's contemporaneous account . That date passed without the expected full opening. The State Department's November update instead committed to completing the Nairobi–Naivasha section by the end of 2026. The Star reported engineers expecting most sections to be available by Christmas; those statements are consistent with a phased opening rather than a completed, uninterrupted road to Mau Summit. ADVERTISEMENT The wider route has had a separate June 2027 completion target . As People Daily explained in its construction-timetable guide , politicians and technical agencies have at times cited different dates, and completing one segment should not be confused with finishing the full project. An opening date will become a firmer fact when KeNHA identifies the sections commissioned and the traffic arrangements that apply. Until then, motorists should allow for work zones and diversions. Why the road matters beyond Kenya The A8 is part of the Northern Corridor linking the Kenyan coast and Nairobi to inland markets. The intended benefit of widening the road is additional capacity for buses, private vehicles and heavy trucks, particularly during peak travel periods when congestion can spill across hours or longer. The human cost of unreliable travel is clear in The Star 's reporting: a truck driver moving toward Kampala described lengthy delays on the route, while a passenger-bus driver said festive-season traffic had repeatedly disrupted journeys. Their experiences illustrate the problem, but neither provides a measured forecast of how much time the completed project will save. Improved road reliability could matter for goods moving between the Port of Mombasa, Nairobi, western Kenya and Uganda. XTRAfrica has previously examined Kenya's efforts to improve Mombasa port connectivity and Uganda's continuing financing work for the Malaba–Kampala railway . Both sit within the wider challenge of moving goods efficiently between the coast and landlocked economies, although neither is a financing component of the Rironi road scheme. The potential gains are not automatic. Actual delivery times will depend on unfinished road sections, border processing, toll charges, incidents, driver behaviour and freight demand. Infrastructure construction can remove one bottleneck without eliminating all the others. Tolls and roadside businesses are part of the test The motorway expansion will introduce tolling , meaning drivers will have to weigh a possible faster trip against a direct road charge. In July, Citizen Digital reported an indicated KSh8-per-kilometre toll for the Shandong package. That reported rate should not be applied indiscriminately to every segment or vehicle category without a current official tariff schedule. KeNHA engineer Terigin argued that fuel, maintenance and time savings could exceed toll costs. That is a project-side assessment; the actual calculation will differ between a frequent truck operator, a daily commuter and a household making an occasional journey. 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 Construction also has local costs. At the Rift Valley Viewpoint, trader Rahab Wambui told The Star that roadside sellers had lost their operating spaces. She estimated that about 500 fellow traders were affected and asked for an alternative trading area. In Kikopey, another seller reported fewer customers as vehicles diverted from the works. Engineer Omach, meanwhile, said construction had largely stayed inside the existing road reserve and that land acquisitions were limited to structures such as interchanges and tollbooths. His account of land acquisition is not the same question as whether informal trading sites and incomes have been disrupted. Both should be assessed when government reports the project’s local benefits. The programme is also expected to support road-safety improvements through separation of opposing traffic flows. Such design can reduce certain collision risks, but an actual decline in crashes and fatalities will need to be measured after sections open. Work-zone safety remains essential now. What motorists and businesses should watch next The next meaningful milestone is an official, dated notice identifying which Rironi–Naivasha sections are open for normal use by December. KeNHA and the roads ministry also need to clarify temporary diversions, final toll tariffs, access to roadside businesses and progress on the connecting sections toward Nakuru and Mau Summit. Completion of the wider highway in 2027 would provide a new test: whether the finished road delivers the promised improvement in travel times, safety and regional freight reliability while limiting the burden on people whose businesses depend on the old roadside economy. For another African comparison of how transport corridors can affect surrounding communities, see XTRAfrica's reporting on local economic opportunities along the Lobito Corridor . As with the Kenyan highway, the benefits depend on more than the presence of new infrastructure: access, operating conditions and commercial use matter after construction. 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 Kenya Kenya

U.S. officials may impose targeted sanctions on senior Rwandan security figures amid disputes over M23 withdrawal and peace deal compliance. U.S. officials are weighing a new set of targeted sanctions that could focus on senior Rwandan security figures , amid accusations that Kigali has not fully met security commitments linked to the withdrawal of M23 forces from territories they control in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) . What the U.S. is demanding: “verifiable” disengagement According to the article, Washington’s criticism centers on implementation of security provisions following a U.S.-brokered peace agreement signed in Washington in December 2025. The key U.S. benchmark is an “immediate, complete, and verifiable” disengagement of M23 from areas it occupies presented as essential to maintaining the credibility of the peace process. That posture aligns with the official text of the U.S.-published agreement, which frames disengagement and related security steps as foundational to de-escalation between Kigali and Kinshasa. The reporting states that the Trump administration is preparing a fresh round of sanctions and that according to Africa Intelligence , as cited by the article the measures could target high-ranking Rwandan security officials suspected of direct or indirect involvement in supporting M2 3 , despite diplomatic commitments made in Washington. At this stage, the article does not name specific individuals, and no official U.S. designation list is presented in the text. The key point is the scope : targeted measures aimed at senior officials rather than broad economic restrictions. Why Washington is signaling escalation now The sanctions threat is framed as a shift from mediation toward pressure, as political tensions remain high between Kinshasa and Kigali and the on-the-ground security situation is described as volatile. Congolese authorities, according to the article, continue to accuse Rwanda of repeated violations and cite ongoing M23 presence in several strategic areas of the east. Kigali, for its part, denies supporting the rebel group and says it is respecting its commitments. Washington’s emphasis on enforcement also reflects the U.S. use of sanctions tools in the DRC conflict context. For example, in 2025, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration James Kabarebe and an M23-linked figure and entities, citing their alleged links to M23 and conflict dynamics in eastern DRC . Continue Reading Full Article JUSTICE & CRIME Fresh U.S. Sanctions May Hit Rwandan Security Officials By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Feb 5, 2026 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: U.S. officials are weighing a new set of targeted sanctions that could focus on senior Rwandan security figures , amid accusations that Kigali has not fully met security commitments linked to the withdrawal of M23 forces from territories they control in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) . What the U.S. is demanding: “verifiable” disengagement According to the article, Washington’s criticism centers on implementation of security provisions following a U.S.-brokered peace agreement signed in Washington in December 2025. The key U.S. benchmark is an “immediate, complete, and verifiable” disengagement of M23 from areas it occupies presented as essential to maintaining the credibility of the peace process. That posture aligns with the official text of the U.S.-published agreement, which frames disengagement and related security steps as foundational to de-escalation between Kigali and Kinshasa. ADVERTISEMENT The reporting states that the Trump administration is preparing a fresh round of sanctions and that according to Africa Intelligence , as cited by the article the measures could target high-ranking Rwandan security officials suspected of direct or indirect involvement in supporting M2 3 , despite diplomatic commitments made in Washington. At this stage, the article does not name specific individuals, and no official U.S. designation list is presented in the text. The key point is the scope : targeted measures aimed at senior officials rather than broad economic restrictions. ADVERTISEMENT Why Washington is signaling escalation now The sanctions threat is framed as a shift from mediation toward pressure, as political tensions remain high between Kinshasa and Kigali and the on-the-ground security situation is described as volatile. Congolese authorities, according to the article, continue to accuse Rwanda of repeated violations and cite ongoing M23 presence in several strategic areas of the east. Kigali, for its part, denies supporting the rebel group and says it is respecting its commitments. Washington’s emphasis on enforcement also reflects the U.S. use of sanctions tools in the DRC conflict context. For example, in 2025, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration James Kabarebe and an M23-linked figure and entities, citing their alleged links to M23 and conflict dynamics in eastern DRC . 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 Health News Uganda HIV Self-Test Assembly: Prices, Jobs and Exports . Banking and Finance Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts . Business & Investment 5 Best Citizenship by Investment Programs for Africans . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply . Scholarships UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Opens to Africans . ADVERTISEMENT What happens next The article suggests the near-term test for the Washington-brokered process will be whether diplomatic commitments translate into concrete steps especially measurable, independently verifiable movement by armed actors on the ground. It also underscores the humanitarian stakes for civilians in eastern Congo, where instability has continued despite repeated diplomatic initiatives. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Health News Uganda HIV Self-Test Assembly: Prices, Jobs and Exports Mukono factory assembles OraQuick kits, but the UGX 7,000 price remains a target . Banking and Finance Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts What African businesses and Gulf investors need to know about Absa’s new DIFC office. . Business & Investment 5 Best Citizenship by Investment Programs for Africans Compare five Caribbean second-passport programs, their investment costs, family benefits.... . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply Up to 120 EAC Master’s scholarships are open to nationals of eight East African countries, . Tags Africa Africa Rwanda Rwanda Rwandan Opposition Rwandan Opposition Rwanda Politics Rwanda Politics Rwanda Invasion in DRC Rwanda Invasion in DRC

Two U.S. citizens on trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo over a failed coup attempt in May testified on Friday, claiming they were coerced into participating under threat of death. On May 19, armed men briefly seized an office of the presidency in Kinshasa before security forces killed their leader, U.S.-based Congolese politician Christian Malanga. The coup attempt led to the arrest of over 50 individuals, including U.S., British, Canadian, Belgian, and Congolese nationals. Marcel Malanga, 22, and Benjamin Zalman-Polun, spoke for the first time during the trial, held in a military court in Kinshasa. Marcel, the son of the coup leader, asserted that his father had threatened to kill them if they did not comply. "Dad had threatened to kill us if we did not follow his orders," Marcel said, denying any involvement in the coup plot. He explained that he had come to Congo at his father's invitation and had not seen him since 2021. "I am American, I do not speak French or Lingala," he added. Zalman-Polun described himself as a long-time business associate of Christian Malanga , involved in mining activities in Swaziland and Mozambique, and claimed he had no knowledge or involvement in planning the coup. "I met Malanga in 2013. We always had relationships based on mining activities, he had never been so violent," Zalman-Polun told the court. The defendants face charges including illegal arms possession, criminal conspiracy, terrorism, and attempts to destabilize state institutions, some of which carry the death penalty or lengthy prison sentences. The trial has been adjourned until Monday, July 8. By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Jul 6, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Two U.S. citizens on trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo over a failed coup attempt in May testified on Friday, claiming they were coerced into participating under threat of death. On May 19, armed men briefly seized an office of the presidency in Kinshasa before security forces killed their leader, U.S.-based Congolese politician Christian Malanga. The coup attempt led to the arrest of over 50 individuals, including U.S., British, Canadian, Belgian, and Congolese nationals. ADVERTISEMENT Marcel Malanga, 22, and Benjamin Zalman-Polun, spoke for the first time during the trial, held in a military court in Kinshasa. Marcel, the son of the coup leader, asserted that his father had threatened to kill them if they did not comply. "Dad had threatened to kill us if we did not follow his orders," Marcel said, denying any involvement in the coup plot. He explained that he had come to Congo at his father's invitation and had not seen him since 2021. "I am American, I do not speak French or Lingala," he added. ADVERTISEMENT Zalman-Polun described himself as a long-time business associate of Christian Malanga , involved in mining activities in Swaziland and Mozambique, and claimed he had no knowledge or involvement in planning the coup. "I met Malanga in 2013. We always had relationships based on mining activities, he had never been so violent," Zalman-Polun told the court. The defendants face charges including illegal arms possession, criminal conspiracy, terrorism, and attempts to destabilize state institutions, some of which carry the death penalty or lengthy prison sentences. The trial has been adjourned until Monday, July 8. 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

Temmy Dreddz releases “Jeje,” an Afro-fusion track about patience, personal growth and living without unnecessary pressure. Temmy Dreddz is choosing calm over pressure on his latest Afro-fusion single, “Jeje.” According to Temmy Dreddz, the song explores patience, personal growth and the importance of taking life one step at a time. Its central message encourages listeners to follow their own path instead of rushing to match other people’s progress. Built around an Afro-fusion sound, “Jeje” carries a reflective mood while staying rooted in the rhythms of contemporary Nigerian music. The title, commonly used to mean gently or slowly, captures the song’s relaxed approach to ambition and everyday life. The release also continues Temmy Dreddz ’s interest in relatable subjects. His music often touches on resilience, love, lifestyle, ambition and the personal challenges that come with trying to build a better future. At a time when social media can make success feel like a competition, “Jeje” offers a simple reminder: growth does not happen at the same speed for everyone. The single is now available on major digital streaming platforms, adding another personal and motivational record to Temmy Dreddz ’s growing catalogue. Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Temmy Dreddz Preaches Patience on New Single ‘Jeje’ By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Jul 30, 2026 Jul 30, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Temmy Dreddz is choosing calm over pressure on his latest Afro-fusion single, “Jeje.” According to Temmy Dreddz, the song explores patience, personal growth and the importance of taking life one step at a time. Its central message encourages listeners to follow their own path instead of rushing to match other people’s progress. Built around an Afro-fusion sound, “Jeje” carries a reflective mood while staying rooted in the rhythms of contemporary Nigerian music. The title, commonly used to mean gently or slowly, captures the song’s relaxed approach to ambition and everyday life. ADVERTISEMENT The release also continues Temmy Dreddz ’s interest in relatable subjects. His music often touches on resilience, love, lifestyle, ambition and the personal challenges that come with trying to build a better future. At a time when social media can make success feel like a competition, “Jeje” offers a simple reminder: growth does not happen at the same speed for everyone. ADVERTISEMENT The single is now available on major digital streaming platforms, adding another personal and motivational record to Temmy Dreddz ’s growing catalogue. 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

Read Tiwa Savage’s biography, including her age, real name, Lagos roots, son, hit songs, albums, awards and latest music in 2026. Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and performer whose fusion of Afrobeats, R&B and pop helped place women at the centre of modern African music’s global expansion. Born in Lagos and raised partly in London, she developed as a backing vocalist, songwriter and Berklee-trained musician before returning to Nigeria to build a solo career. Songs including “Kele Kele Love,” “Eminado,” “Ma Lo,” “Koroba” and “Somebody’s Son” carried her voice across generations and markets. On her official X account , she shares new work and speaks directly to her audience. Her career now extends beyond performance into film, mentorship and the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation. Who is Tiwa Savage? Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian Afrobeats and R&B singer born in Lagos and professionally trained at Berklee. After working as a backing vocalist and songwriter abroad, she returned to Nigeria, broke through with “Kele Kele Love,” won the MTV EMA for Best African Act and became an influential global voice for African women in music. Early Life and Creative Roots Tiwa Savage was born Tiwatope Savage on 5 February 1980 in Lagos, Nigeria. Her name and Lagos origin are supported by an Allure cover interview , while her own reported 45th-birthday announcement confirms the date and year. She is 46 as of 26 July 2026. Her family moved to London when she was 11. An in-depth Berklee alumni interview records that she played trombone at school before moving towards singing. At 16, she entered professional music as a backing vocalist, learning rehearsals, touring and performance behind stars including George Michael and Mary J. Blige. Savage earned an accounting degree from the University of Kent, briefly worked as a trainee accountant and attended studio sessions at night. She eventually chose music full time and studied songwriting, vocal performance and music business at Berklee. She explained the value of her early supporting role in the Berklee interview: “It was an opportunity to be in the shadows and learn what the industry was about.” After Berklee, Savage entered New York and Los Angeles songwriting circles. A Sony/ATV publishing deal followed; she co-wrote Fantasia’s “Collard Greens and Cornbread” and sang background vocals on Whitney Houston’s I Look to You . Continue Reading Full Article AFRICAN CULTURE Biography: Age, Son, Songs, Albums & Career By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Jul 26, 2026 Jul 26, 2026 10 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and performer whose fusion of Afrobeats, R&B and pop helped place women at the centre of modern African music’s global expansion. Born in Lagos and raised partly in London, she developed as a backing vocalist, songwriter and Berklee-trained musician before returning to Nigeria to build a solo career. Songs including “Kele Kele Love,” “Eminado,” “Ma Lo,” “Koroba” and “Somebody’s Son” carried her voice across generations and markets. On her official X account , she shares new work and speaks directly to her audience. Her career now extends beyond performance into film, mentorship and the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation. Who is Tiwa Savage? Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian Afrobeats and R&B singer born in Lagos and professionally trained at Berklee. After working as a backing vocalist and songwriter abroad, she returned to Nigeria, broke through with “Kele Kele Love,” won the MTV EMA for Best African Act and became an influential global voice for African women in music. Early Life and Creative Roots Tiwa Savage was born Tiwatope Savage on 5 February 1980 in Lagos, Nigeria. Her name and Lagos origin are supported by an Allure cover interview , while her own reported 45th-birthday announcement confirms the date and year. She is 46 as of 26 July 2026. Her family moved to London when she was 11. An in-depth Berklee alumni interview records that she played trombone at school before moving towards singing. At 16, she entered professional music as a backing vocalist, learning rehearsals, touring and performance behind stars including George Michael and Mary J. Blige. Savage earned an accounting degree from the University of Kent, briefly worked as a trainee accountant and attended studio sessions at night. She eventually chose music full time and studied songwriting, vocal performance and music business at Berklee. She explained the value of her early supporting role in the Berklee interview: “It was an opportunity to be in the shadows and learn what the industry was about.” After Berklee, Savage entered New York and Los Angeles songwriting circles. A Sony/ATV publishing deal followed; she co-wrote Fantasia’s “Collard Greens and Cornbread” and sang background vocals on Whitney Houston’s I Look to You . Breakthrough and Rise to Fame Savage returned to Nigeria because she wanted to blend the R&B, pop and hip-hop she had encountered abroad with the Afrobeats movement growing at home. Her early solo single “Kele Kele Love” introduced a confident female point of view and established her as more than a background singer or songwriter. She joined Mavin Records in 2012 and released her debut album, Once Upon a Time , in 2013. Records such as “Eminado,” “Love Me (3x)” and “Without My Heart” helped turn her into one of the defining women of that Nigerian pop era. Her second album, R.E.D , widened the sound, while the 2017 Sugarcane EP produced “Ma Lo,” her major collaboration with Wizkid and Spellz. The career scaled internationally through a Roc Nation management agreement in 2016 and a global recording deal with Universal Music Group in 2019. In its official partnership announcement , UMG described work spanning music, fashion, film and television. ADVERTISEMENT Achievements and Artistic Innovation Tiwa Savage’s voice is rooted in R&B technique, especially layered harmonies and expressive phrasing, but her records move easily through Afrobeats percussion, pop hooks, Nigerian Pidgin and Yoruba. Her catalogue can be romantic, confrontational or reflective without losing its melodic focus. XTRAfrica’s verified Tiwa Savage songs page brings together her current recordings and collaborations. Her third album, Celia , arrived in 2020 and was selected for TIME’s list of the 10 best albums of that year . This One Is Personal , released on 29 August 2025, moved more strongly towards 1990s-influenced R&B and emotional storytelling. Apple Music’s album edition contains 15 tracks and features Skepta, Taves and James Fauntleroy. The project also entered the UK rankings. The Official Charts Company records a No. 18 peak on the Official Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart and No. 42 on the Album Downloads Chart. Major verified achievements include: Winning Best African Act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards, becoming the first woman to win the category. Becoming the first African female artist to sell out London’s Indigo at The O2 in 2018. Building a studio-album catalogue from Once Upon a Time to This One Is Personal . Reaching more than 800 million Spotify streams across lead and featured credits by late 2025, as documented by XTRAfrica . The official 2018 MTV EMA record places her win among that year’s worldwide and regional honours. Its wider importance was symbolic: a category long dominated by men had recognised an African female lead artist. Heritage, Identity and Vision Savage’s career spans Lagos, London, Boston, New York and Los Angeles, but she consistently identifies her ambition through Africa. When her accent, clothing and confidence attracted resistance after her return to Nigeria, she adapted her international training to African rhythms, languages and audiences. In the UMG announcement, she said her central ambition was to make Africa proud while taking her music to wider audiences. Her songs use English, Nigerian Pidgin and Yoruba, while her production draws from R&B, pop and contemporary West African dance music. That range explains why she accepts the Afrobeats connection but resists being confined by geography. In a recent REVOLT interview , she argued that skilled African musicians should be allowed to make R&B, hip-hop, country or other forms without having every project forced into one category. She defined her own story in simpler terms: ADVERTISEMENT “I think it’s about a girl, an African girl who just came and conquered.” Personal Life and Confidence Journey Tiwa Savage is the mother of one son, Jamil. She has spoken publicly about balancing travel, recording and motherhood, while also setting firm limits around commentary directed at her child. A January 2026 XTRAfrica report documented her warning after an online personality mentioned him. The boundary is relevant: her motherhood is public, but her son’s private life is not entertainment content. Savage told REVOLT that This One Is Personal grew from heartbreak and from confronting experiences she had kept inside. The record turns that pain into a wider story of healing, love and hope. “I try not to bottle it in or pretend like it doesn’t exist.” In a 2025 OkayAfrica account of her Afrobeats Intelligence interview , Savage said sustaining success can be harder than achieving a hit. She described taking creative risks and learning from failure. Legacy and Impact Tiwa Savage joined worlds often treated separately: African pop and R&B, local stardom and international infrastructure, sensual performance and serious musicianship. Her longevity challenged an industry that often invested less confidently in women. She helped normalise women as lead commercial voices in modern Nigerian pop. Her songwriting and backing-vocal background brought technical depth to her solo catalogue. Her MTV EMA win expanded the visible space for African female performers. Collaborations with artists such as Wizkid, Brandy, Sam Smith and Asake connect different generations and markets. Her shift back towards R&B on This One Is Personal showed that an established Afrobeats artist could evolve without abandoning her African identity. Her music foundation is beginning to turn personal achievement into training and opportunity for others. A live record for her authenticated Spotify artist ID showed about 3.1 million monthly listeners on 26 June 2026. The figure changes, but it demonstrates that her older hits, recent album and continuing collaborations still attract a substantial audience. Looking Ahead In 2026, Tiwa Savage’s work has moved on two connected tracks: new music and institution-building. “Energy,” released with Wande Coal and Mavo on 29 May, returned her to a bright Afropop setting; XTRAfrica carries the complete “Energy” release page . On 9 July, she appeared on Jonna Fraser’s “Turn It Up” , extending her collaborative reach into the Dutch market. The larger 2026 development is the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation’s partnership with Berklee. The Berklee in Nigeria program brought professional instruction in performance, songwriting, production and music business to emerging creators in Lagos. Savage has also clarified that This One Is Personal is not her last project. Her future now combines more recordings with a practical commitment to widening access: “I’m humbled to build this bridge to talent who deserve such world-class training.” Tiwa Savage FAQs What is Tiwa Savage’s real name? Her verified given name is Tiwatope Savage. She uses Tiwa Savage professionally. How old is Tiwa Savage? Tiwa Savage is 46 years old as of 26 July 2026. She was born on 5 February 1980. 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 Disability-Selective Infanticide: The Hidden History in Maasailand . African Culture Zee Nxumalo Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Amapiano Rise . African Culture Wendy Shay Biography: Age, Nursing Career, Songs & AFRIMA Win . African Culture Vinka Biography: Real Name, Songs, Family & Music Career . African Culture Vestine & Dorcas Biography: Ages, Family, Songs & Career . ADVERTISEMENT Where was Tiwa Savage born? She was born in Lagos, Nigeria. She moved to London with her family when she was 11. What nationality is Tiwa Savage? Tiwa Savage is Nigerian. Her career and public identity remain strongly connected to Lagos and the Nigerian music industry. How tall is Tiwa Savage? Tiwa Savage’s height has not been established by a credible direct or institutional source. Online celebrity-height estimates should not be treated as verified. Which song made Tiwa Savage famous? “Kele Kele Love” established Tiwa Savage as a solo star in Nigeria. “Eminado,” “Ma Lo,” “All Over,” “Koroba” and “Somebody’s Son” later expanded her audience. What is Tiwa Savage’s latest album? Her latest studio album is This One Is Personal , released on 29 August 2025. Has Tiwa Savage won an MTV EMA? Yes. She won Best African Act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards and became the first woman to win that category. Does Tiwa Savage have a child? Yes. Tiwa Savage has one son, Jamil. She has discussed motherhood publicly while protecting his privacy. What genre does Tiwa Savage sing? Her music blends Afrobeats, R&B and pop, with lyrics in English, Nigerian Pidgin and Yoruba. What is Tiwa Savage doing in 2026? She has continued releasing and featuring on new music while developing the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation’s training partnership with Berklee in Lagos. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles African Culture Disability-Selective Infanticide: The Hidden History in Maasailand Field evidence exposes a history of killing, abandonment and neglect and the Maasai resisting it . African Culture Zee Nxumalo Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Amapiano Rise Meet Zee Nxumalo: her age, real name, songs, awards and journey from viral covers to amapiano stardom. . African Culture Wendy Shay Biography: Age, Nursing Career, Songs & AFRIMA Win Discover Wendy Shay’s age, Ghana-Germany story, nursing career, albums, songs and awards. . African Culture Vinka Biography: Real Name, Songs, Family & Music Career Discover Vinka’s real name, family, hit songs, awards and journey from dancer to Ugandan star. . Tags African culture African culture Nigeria Nigeria Tiwa Savage Tiwa Savage