Bianca Censori was seen in Los Angeles in a sheer bodysuit, received a parking ticket, and teased her new art project set for December in Seoul. Bianca Censori made a rare public appearance in Los Angeles this week, drawing attention with a bold sheer bodysuit during an outing on December 4. The 30-year-old designer, who is married to rapper Kanye West, was photographed arriving at a dermatologist’s office in a chocolate-colored off-shoulder bodysuit paired with matching tights, black boots, and straight dark hair. Following her appointment, Censori received a parking ticket after reportedly stopping in a handicapped space. The outing marks one of her few public sightings in recent months. She was last seen on November 6 at Los Angeles International Airport alongside West. Her appearance comes shortly after the Yeezy x GAP archive Instagram account shared images of her in a layered sheer ensemble, showcasing her evolving creative direction. Censori has also generated interest online by teasing a new art project titled “BIO POP (THE ORIGIN),” scheduled for December 11 and 12 in Seoul, South Korea. According to Halcyon Magazine, the performance explores daily movements and the concept of home. With her striking fashion choices and upcoming artistic work, Censori continues to attract significant public and media attention despite her limited appearances. Continue Reading Full Article FASHION Bianca Censori Draws Attention in Sheer Bodysuit During LA Outing By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Dec 8, 2025 May 15, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Bianca Censori made a rare public appearance in Los Angeles this week, drawing attention with a bold sheer bodysuit during an outing on December 4. The 30-year-old designer, who is married to rapper Kanye West, was photographed arriving at a dermatologist’s office in a chocolate-colored off-shoulder bodysuit paired with matching tights, black boots, and straight dark hair. Following her appointment, Censori received a parking ticket after reportedly stopping in a handicapped space. ADVERTISEMENT The outing marks one of her few public sightings in recent months. She was last seen on November 6 at Los Angeles International Airport alongside West. Her appearance comes shortly after the Yeezy x GAP archive Instagram account shared images of her in a layered sheer ensemble, showcasing her evolving creative direction. Censori has also generated interest online by teasing a new art project titled “BIO POP (THE ORIGIN),” scheduled for December 11 and 12 in Seoul, South Korea. According to Halcyon Magazine, the performance explores daily movements and the concept of home. ADVERTISEMENT With her striking fashion choices and upcoming artistic work, Censori continues to attract significant public and media attention despite her limited appearances. 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 United States United States

Lagos, Nigeria — Adedamola Adefolahan, popularly known as Fireboy DML, recently opened up about a pivotal moment in his career. The rising Nigerian singer shared how he rejected offers from heavyweight artists and music executives before signing with rapper Olamide’s YBNL Nation in 2018. In an exclusive interview with Billboard News in Los Angeles, Fireboy discussed his musical journey. He delved into his passion for music, collaborations with notable artists like Blaqbonez, Jon Bellion, Jon Batiste, Jax Jones, and Madonna, and his standout collaboration with Ed Sheeran on the hit track “Peru.” Fireboy also expressed his thoughts on the Grammys finally acknowledging Afrobeats. Beyond music, he revealed his love for football, his unique blend of Afrobeats and country music, and his admiration for Noah Kahan. When asked about his choice to join YBNL Nation, Fireboy explained, “I rejected a couple of deals from big artists that wanted to sign me. But when Olamide came, I knew it was the right decision. And that process has really helped me in making decisions going forward.” Following his signing, Fireboy DML released his debut album, “Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps,” in the subsequent year. His journey continues to inspire aspiring artists, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one’s vision. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 1, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Fireboy DML. IMAGE source: Instagram/fireboydlm Lagos, Nigeria — Adedamola Adefolahan, popularly known as Fireboy DML, recently opened up about a pivotal moment in his career. The rising Nigerian singer shared how he rejected offers from heavyweight artists and music executives before signing with rapper Olamide’s YBNL Nation in 2018. In an exclusive interview with Billboard News in Los Angeles, Fireboy discussed his musical journey. He delved into his passion for music, collaborations with notable artists like Blaqbonez, Jon Bellion, Jon Batiste, Jax Jones, and Madonna, and his standout collaboration with Ed Sheeran on the hit track “Peru.” ADVERTISEMENT Fireboy also expressed his thoughts on the Grammys finally acknowledging Afrobeats. Beyond music, he revealed his love for football, his unique blend of Afrobeats and country music, and his admiration for Noah Kahan. When asked about his choice to join YBNL Nation, Fireboy explained, “I rejected a couple of deals from big artists that wanted to sign me. But when Olamide came, I knew it was the right decision. And that process has really helped me in making decisions going forward.” Following his signing, Fireboy DML released his debut album, “Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps,” in the subsequent year. His journey continues to inspire aspiring artists, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one’s vision. 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

U.S. sanctions highlight Rwanda-M23 smuggling network. Investigative report links Kagame to forced labour, illegal coltan trade, and Congo’s human tragedy. The Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has suffered almost three decades of war. Militia groups control valuable coltan and cassiterite mines, financing conflict through illegal taxation and forced labour. On 12 August 2025, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned the Congolese militia PARECO‑FF, the Hong Kong traders East Rise Corporation Limited and Star Dragon Corporation Limited, and the Congolese cooperative Cooperative des Artisanaux Miniers du Congo (CDMC). The sanctions marked the first time Washington targeted a network linked directly to Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame. Drawing on the sanctions report, the United Nations’ 2025 Group of Experts final report, and other investigative sources, this article exposes how Rwanda-backed groups profit from conflict minerals, the human toll on Congolese communities, and why the sanctions matter. 1. Kagame-M23-PARECO‑FF Nexus: control of Rubaya’s coltan M23 and PARECO‑FF take over the mines Rubaya in North Kivu province produces roughly 15 % of the world’s coltan, a critical mineral used in smartphones and electric cars . PARECO‑FF (“Coalition des Patriotes Résistants Congolais‑Force de Frappe”) emerged in 2022 and quickly seized Rubaya’s mines. According to the U.S. Treasury, PARECO‑FF controlled the mining sites from 2022 to early 2024 and generated revenue by collecting illegal fees, imposing forced labour, and executing civilians. The militia imposed taxes on diggers and workers and smuggled minerals through “opportunistic relationships” with other armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23). The United Nations’ Group of Experts report shows that in April 2024, M23 seized Rubaya from PARECO‑FF. M23’s political commissioner, Erasto Bahati, oversaw the site and instituted a complex taxation system, hand‑picking traders and expelling diggers who resisted. Local observers reported that M23 negotiated a share of coltan with PARECO‑FF before ousting them, indicating collusion rather than rivalry. M23 also used forced labour (called salongo) to build a road from Rubaya through Mushaki, Kitshanga, and Tongo to the Rwandan border; this road enabled smugglers to transport coltan to Rwanda. Human rights abuses and tax schemes Sources, including Al Jazeera and Global Witness, describe M23’s brutal governance. UN experts found that M23 taxed up to 120 tonnes of coltan per month, generating approximately USD 800,000 . Traders interviewed by Global Witness said M23 demanded a 15 % tax on the selling price . The militia enforced forced labour at mining sites and executed civilians who defied orders. The United Nations report documents large‑scale looting: M23 “systematically looted more than 500 tonnes of tagged and untagged 3T minerals,” smuggling 186 tonnes to Rwanda. In March 2025, trucks moved 195 tonnes of minerals across the border at night. During the same period, an estimated 7,000-12,000 Rwandan troops fought alongside M23 in North and South Kivu, contributing to mass displacement. The human cost is staggering: the International Organization for Migration counted 6.9 million internally displaced people (IDPs) in DRC by 2023, with 5.6 million in the eastern provinces and up to one million in North Kivu alone . Continue Reading Full Article DRC PEACE EFFORT New U.S. Sanctions Expose Kagame’s Links to Congo’s Conflict By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Aug 13, 2025 May 15, 2026 8 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has suffered almost three decades of war. Militia groups control valuable coltan and cassiterite mines, financing conflict through illegal taxation and forced labour. On 12 August 2025, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned the Congolese militia PARECO‑FF, the Hong Kong traders East Rise Corporation Limited and Star Dragon Corporation Limited, and the Congolese cooperative Cooperative des Artisanaux Miniers du Congo (CDMC). The sanctions marked the first time Washington targeted a network linked directly to Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame. Drawing on the sanctions report, the United Nations’ 2025 Group of Experts final report, and other investigative sources, this article exposes how Rwanda-backed groups profit from conflict minerals, the human toll on Congolese communities, and why the sanctions matter. 1. Kagame-M23-PARECO‑FF Nexus: control of Rubaya’s coltan M23 and PARECO‑FF take over the mines Rubaya in North Kivu province produces roughly 15 % of the world’s coltan, a critical mineral used in smartphones and electric cars . PARECO‑FF (“Coalition des Patriotes Résistants Congolais‑Force de Frappe”) emerged in 2022 and quickly seized Rubaya’s mines. According to the U.S. Treasury, PARECO‑FF controlled the mining sites from 2022 to early 2024 and generated revenue by collecting illegal fees, imposing forced labour, and executing civilians. The militia imposed taxes on diggers and workers and smuggled minerals through “opportunistic relationships” with other armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23). The United Nations’ Group of Experts report shows that in April 2024, M23 seized Rubaya from PARECO‑FF. M23’s political commissioner, Erasto Bahati, oversaw the site and instituted a complex taxation system, hand‑picking traders and expelling diggers who resisted. Local observers reported that M23 negotiated a share of coltan with PARECO‑FF before ousting them, indicating collusion rather than rivalry. M23 also used forced labour (called salongo) to build a road from Rubaya through Mushaki, Kitshanga, and Tongo to the Rwandan border; this road enabled smugglers to transport coltan to Rwanda. Human rights abuses and tax schemes Sources, including Al Jazeera and Global Witness, describe M23’s brutal governance. UN experts found that M23 taxed up to 120 tonnes of coltan per month, generating approximately USD 800,000 . Traders interviewed by Global Witness said M23 demanded a 15 % tax on the selling price . The militia enforced forced labour at mining sites and executed civilians who defied orders. The United Nations report documents large‑scale looting: M23 “systematically looted more than 500 tonnes of tagged and untagged 3T minerals,” smuggling 186 tonnes to Rwanda. ADVERTISEMENT In March 2025, trucks moved 195 tonnes of minerals across the border at night. During the same period, an estimated 7,000-12,000 Rwandan troops fought alongside M23 in North and South Kivu, contributing to mass displacement. The human cost is staggering: the International Organization for Migration counted 6.9 million internally displaced people (IDPs) in DRC by 2023, with 5.6 million in the eastern provinces and up to one million in North Kivu alone . 2. Follow the money: from Rubaya to Hong Kong via Rwanda CDMC and the Hong Kong front companies The U.S. Treasury sanctions reveal a chain of custody: PARECO‑FF and then M23 exploited Rubaya’s minerals; the Cooperative des Artisanaux Miniers du Congo (CDMC) operated the largest concession and purchased minerals smuggled from armed‑group areas. CDMC then sold minerals to Hong Kong-based East Rise Corporation Limited and Star Dragon Corporation Limited. These companies were designated by the U.S. for materially assisting CDMC’s illicit trade; their owners remain unnamed. Global Witness found that once minerals reach Rwanda, they are sold to Rwandan exporters such as African Panther Resources. In 2024, the company’s exports surged, and the Luxembourg-based trader Traxys became almost the exclusive buyer. Traders said African Panther purchased large quantities of smuggled coltan; M23 demanded a 15 % tax from sellers. Because Rwanda is an EAC member, its exports enjoy preferential access to European markets. The report notes that Rwanda’s official coltan exports doubled from about 1,000 tonnes in 2023 to 2,000 tonnes in 2024, far exceeding the country’s production, evidence of massive laundering . Rwanda as a smuggling corridor M23’s control of border cities such as Bunagana and Kitshanga gave it a monopoly over smuggling routes. The UN report noted that “smuggled minerals were laundered through Rwanda, mixed with local production and exported,” undermining legitimate trade. Reuters quoted UN experts who observed 195 tonnes of coltan crossing into Rwanda in one week. Roads built with forced labour allowed M23 to move convoys of 4–5 vehicles carrying up to 5 tonnes each; locals described 120‑tonne convoys heading to Rwanda monthly. Once in Rwanda, minerals were re‑labelled and shipped to processing hubs in the United Arab Emirates and China before ending up in Western supply chains ADVERTISEMENT 3. Kagame’s corporate shield Rwanda’s government denies any involvement. Yet, evidence shows that President Paul Kagame’s regime profits whether PARECO‑FF or M23 controls the mines. PARECO‑FF initially opposed M23, but both groups channelled minerals through Rwanda. The U.S. Treasury described PARECO‑FF’s “opportunistic relationships” with M23, and the IPIS article reports that M23 negotiated coltan shares with PARECO‑FF before seizing Rubaya. Rwanda uses state-linked companies as a corporate shield. African Panther Resources, partly owned by Rwandan military figures, purchases coltan from CDMC and M23-affiliated traders; its exports soar when conflict intensifies. Through East Rise and Star Dragon in Hong Kong and Traxys in Luxembourg, the minerals enter global markets. Because Rwanda’s official exports appear legal, international buyers seldom ask questions. The sanctions signal that Washington intends to pierce this shield and cut off the revenue streams that finance Kagame’s regional dominance. 4. Human cost and global tech demand A crisis measured in lives, not tonnes The conflict has devastated communities across eastern Congo. Since the M23 offensive resumed in late 2023, more than 3,000 people have been killed and 2,800 injured, according to humanitarian agencies . Over 237,000 people were newly displaced in early 2025 alone, and by late 2023, the total number of internally displaced persons had reached 6.9 million. Many families live in makeshift camps or host communities, lacking food, shelter, or healthcare. Women and children face sexual violence and exploitation. Tech supply chains soaked in blood Coltan is essential for capacitors in smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. The DRC produced about 40 % of the world’s coltan in 2023, yet its people see little benefit. Miners often work under armed-group control, earning less than USD 2.15 per day. Rwanda’s export revenues help fund infrastructure and social services at home, while Congolese communities suffer. Meanwhile, Western consumers remain largely unaware that their devices may contain minerals taxed by militias. The supply chain’s opacity allows corporations to claim due diligence even when minerals originate in conflict zones. 5. U.S. sanctions as a turning point The August 2025 sanctions are significant because they target not only an armed group but also the companies facilitating the trade. By sanctioning PARECO‑FF, CDMC, East Rise, and Star Dragon, the U.S. is sending a warning to Rwanda and international traders that the illicit coltan network is under scrutiny. Under the sanctions, any U.S. person or company that deals with these entities risks heavy penalties. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Policy and Reforms DRC Assembly Backs $625m for Schools, Businesses and Health . Economic Policies DRC Creates Deposit Guarantee Fund to Protect Bank Customers . Social Service DRC Moves to Bring More Public Workers Onto the Payroll . Development DRC Plans $440 Million for Rural Water, Electricity and Infrastructure . Opposition Politics Why C64 Plans a July 8 March to Demand Tshisekedi's Resignation . ADVERTISEMENT Although OFAC does not expressly name Rwanda, the designations implicitly acknowledge Kigali’s role. The sanctions may deter legitimate corporations from purchasing minerals through Rwanda and could encourage the Congolese government to regain control of its mining sector. However, sanctions alone cannot end the conflict. The Great Lakes region has seen numerous peace deals and embargoes over the past three decades, yet armed groups continue to thrive. True change requires a combination of regional diplomacy, economic reform, and accountability for war profiteers. The UN‑facilitated peace agreement signed on 27 June 2025 between Rwanda and the DRC offers a framework, but its success depends on enforcement. Civil society organisations have called for mandatory supply‑chain transparency laws and for tech companies to support conflict‑free sourcing. Conclusion The U.S. sanctions of 12 August 2025 expose a complex network linking President Kagame’s government, M23 rebels, PARECO‑FF militia, Congolese cooperatives, and Hong Kong traders. Control over Rubaya’s coltan has shifted from one militia to another, but the victims remain the same: Congolese miners forced to dig under threat of violence and communities uprooted by war. The minerals that power the world’s tech devices are soaked in their blood. The sanctions are a step toward accountability, but only sustained international pressure and regional cooperation can dismantle the war‑profiteering machine and bring peace to the eastern Congo. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Policy and Reforms DRC Assembly Backs $625m for Schools, Businesses and Health Lawmakers back four financing bills supporting entrepreneurs, primary education, maternal health . Economic Policies DRC Creates Deposit Guarantee Fund to Protect Bank Customers DRC approves FGADEC, a national deposit-guarantee fund designed to protect eligible savings, . Social Service DRC Moves to Bring More Public Workers Onto the Payroll DRC plans to make salary inclusion a 2027 budget priority, aiming to progressively bring eligible . Development DRC Plans $440 Million for Rural Water, Electricity and Infrastructure DRC plans more than $440 million in its 2027 budget for rural water, electricity and basic . Tags DRC Politics DRC Politics DR.Congo DR.Congo United States United States Kagame Crimes Kagame Crimes M23 Rebels News M23 Rebels News

Oburu Oginga says he is recovering at home after a hospital visit and has rejected reports that he was readmitted in Nairobi. NAIROBI, Kenya — ODM party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga said on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, that he was recovering at home after being discharged from hospital, rejecting reports that he had been readmitted. His statement followed growing concern over his absence from recent public events and conflicting online claims about his whereabouts. Oginga said he had briefly visited hospital for a general medical check-up and had since returned to his Nairobi residence. ODM communications director Philip Etale separately said the party leader was at home and receiving visitors. Is Oburu Oginga still in hospital? Oginga says no. The ODM leader stated on 1 September that doctors had discharged him and that he was recovering at his Nairobi home. His party's communications director also said he was at the residence. Reports of a fresh hospital readmission were not supported by those direct updates. Oginga rejects the readmission report The Star reported at 11:41 AM EAT that Oginga said he had been discharged on Monday morning and was recuperating at home. He questioned whether those saying he had returned to hospital had spoken to him. The report said he had spent two days at the hospital before doctors cleared him to leave. Oginga also said several political leaders had visited during the stay, including Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi. The Standard's account included photographs of Oginga speaking by telephone at his Nairobi home on 1 September. It reported that he described himself as well and said there was no basis for claims that he had been admitted again. The available statements support a limited conclusion: Oginga had a hospital visit, was discharged and says he is now at home. They do not establish a serious new illness, continuing hospital treatment or a fresh admission. ODM also says its leader is at home Etale, the ODM communication director, provided a separate party update. Radio Generation Kenya reported that Etale said Oginga was at his Kitusuru residence in Nairobi, where he was hosting friends. Continue Reading Full Article POLITICAL PARTIES Oburu Oginga Says He Is Home After Hospital Visit By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Sep 1, 2026 Sep 1, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: NAIROBI, Kenya — ODM party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga said on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, that he was recovering at home after being discharged from hospital, rejecting reports that he had been readmitted. His statement followed growing concern over his absence from recent public events and conflicting online claims about his whereabouts. Oginga said he had briefly visited hospital for a general medical check-up and had since returned to his Nairobi residence. ODM communications director Philip Etale separately said the party leader was at home and receiving visitors. Is Oburu Oginga still in hospital? Oginga says no. The ODM leader stated on 1 September that doctors had discharged him and that he was recovering at his Nairobi home. His party's communications director also said he was at the residence. Reports of a fresh hospital readmission were not supported by those direct updates. Oginga rejects the readmission report The Star reported at 11:41 AM EAT that Oginga said he had been discharged on Monday morning and was recuperating at home. He questioned whether those saying he had returned to hospital had spoken to him. The report said he had spent two days at the hospital before doctors cleared him to leave. Oginga also said several political leaders had visited during the stay, including Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi. The Standard's account included photographs of Oginga speaking by telephone at his Nairobi home on 1 September. It reported that he described himself as well and said there was no basis for claims that he had been admitted again. The available statements support a limited conclusion: Oginga had a hospital visit, was discharged and says he is now at home. They do not establish a serious new illness, continuing hospital treatment or a fresh admission. ADVERTISEMENT ODM also says its leader is at home Etale, the ODM communication director, provided a separate party update. Radio Generation Kenya reported that Etale said Oginga was at his Kitusuru residence in Nairobi, where he was hosting friends. The same report said Oginga had made the statement after reading news reports questioning his whereabouts. He acknowledged a general check-up but sought to calm speculation about his immediate condition. Eastleigh Voice also published Oginga's statement , reporting that he described the visit as brief and said he had already returned home. Its account did not supply an independent medical diagnosis, and none is needed to report the confirmed discharge. That distinction matters because social-media health claims can quickly move beyond what a public figure or medical source has confirmed. No diagnosis, serious medical event or continuing treatment has been officially announced. One report attributed a low blood-sugar reading to an unnamed doctor. Because Oginga himself did not disclose a diagnosis and no hospital statement was issued, that detail should not be treated as an official medical explanation. ADVERTISEMENT Why his absence drew political attention Oginga is both Siaya's senator and the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement. His public schedule matters beyond his personal role because ODM remains a major force in Kenyan politics and is preparing for the 2027 election. He became acting party leader after the death of his younger brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in October 2025. Delegates later confirmed him as ODM leader in March 2026. XTRAfrica covered Raila Odinga's death and national mourning , an event that reshaped leadership inside the party. Oginga's absence from public events for more than a week therefore generated questions about who was directing party work and whether he was able to continue his programme. Health speculation also became entangled with political criticism about his age and capacity, making precise reporting especially important. The confirmed update does not answer every question about his schedule. It does, however, correct the central claim that he had been readmitted and remained in hospital. 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 What is confirmed and what is not Oginga has confirmed that he visited hospital and returned home. Multiple Kenyan outlets published his remarks, while ODM's communications director separately placed him at his Nairobi residence. No public hospital record, named medical diagnosis or detailed treatment plan was released. Oginga's age and political role do not justify filling those gaps with assumptions. His private medical information remains private unless he or an authorised medical source chooses to disclose it. There is also no verified basis for claims that he is stepping down as ODM leader because of this episode. A health update is not a resignation, incapacity declaration or transfer of party authority. Oginga's next public appearance will be the clearest practical indication that he has resumed his normal political schedule. Until then, the strongest available information is his own statement, supported by his party's communication office: he is out of hospital and recovering at home. 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

Cardi B opened her Little Miss Drama Tour in California, drawing attention for remarks about ICE before performing “I Like It.” Cardi B began her Little Miss Drama Tou r on February 11 in Palm Desert, California , where she addressed US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during her opening-night performance. Cardi B kicks off Little Miss D… According to the report, the rapper made the remarks before performing her 2018 single I Like It , which features Bad Bunny. She told the audience that if ICE officers entered the venue, they would be confronted, drawing a strong reaction from concertgoers. Cardi B kicks off Little Miss D… The show followed a busy Super Bowl weekend for Cardi B. Bad Bunny, her former collaborator on I Like It , recently performed at the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show. Cardi B also joined him during the event, alongside several other celebrities. Cardi B kicks off Little Miss D… Beyond the concert, Cardi B has recently attracted attention on social media after she and her boyfriend, NFL player Stefon Diggs, unfollowed each other on Instagram. Diggs’ team, the New England Patriots, lost the championship final to the Seattle Sea Hawks. Cardi B kicks off Little Miss D… Cardi B and Diggs welcomed a baby boy in November. The child’s name has not been publicly disclosed. Cardi B kicks off Little Miss D… Source: Geo News Digital Desk Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Cardi B Launches Tour With Onstage Remarks About ICE By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Feb 12, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Cardi B began her Little Miss Drama Tou r on February 11 in Palm Desert, California , where she addressed US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during her opening-night performance. Cardi B kicks off Little Miss D… According to the report, the rapper made the remarks before performing her 2018 single I Like It , which features Bad Bunny. She told the audience that if ICE officers entered the venue, they would be confronted, drawing a strong reaction from concertgoers. Cardi B kicks off Little Miss D… The show followed a busy Super Bowl weekend for Cardi B. Bad Bunny, her former collaborator on I Like It , recently performed at the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show. Cardi B also joined him during the event, alongside several other celebrities. Cardi B kicks off Little Miss D… ADVERTISEMENT Beyond the concert, Cardi B has recently attracted attention on social media after she and her boyfriend, NFL player Stefon Diggs, unfollowed each other on Instagram. Diggs’ team, the New England Patriots, lost the championship final to the Seattle Sea Hawks. Cardi B kicks off Little Miss D… Cardi B and Diggs welcomed a baby boy in November. The child’s name has not been publicly disclosed. Cardi B kicks off Little Miss D… ADVERTISEMENT Source: Geo News Digital Desk 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 United States United States

Hilary Duff previews a new song from her upcoming album as she and Matthew Koma remain silent on Ashley Tisdale-related drama. Hilary Duff and her husband, musician Matthew Koma, appear to be focused on new music amid ongoing social media discussion linked to Ashley Tisdale’s recent essay about a former “mom group.” On Wednesday, January 7, Duff shared a teaser of an unreleased song on Instagram, just one day after public attention grew around Tisdale’s comments and Koma’s online response. The video shows Duff lip-syncing and dancing outdoors while previewing what is believed to be an upcoming track from her next album. The teased song reflects on rekindling emotional connection in a relationship and is expected to follow Duff’s November release Mature . Both tracks are part of her forthcoming album, Luck… or Something , which is scheduled for release on February 20. Fans responded positively in the comments, expressing excitement about the new music. Koma also reacted to the post, writing, “That’s my girl.” The music update comes as Duff and Koma remain largely silent on the broader conversation sparked by Tisdale’s essay, in which the actress described feeling excluded from a group of new mothers. Despite the online discourse, Duff has continued promoting her creative work without addressing the controversy directly. Source: Geo News Continue Reading Full Article HOLLYWOOD UPDATES Hilary Duff, Matthew Koma Share Music Update Amid Ashley Tisdale Drama By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Jan 8, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Hilary Duff and her husband, musician Matthew Koma, appear to be focused on new music amid ongoing social media discussion linked to Ashley Tisdale’s recent essay about a former “mom group.” On Wednesday, January 7, Duff shared a teaser of an unreleased song on Instagram, just one day after public attention grew around Tisdale’s comments and Koma’s online response. The video shows Duff lip-syncing and dancing outdoors while previewing what is believed to be an upcoming track from her next album. ADVERTISEMENT The teased song reflects on rekindling emotional connection in a relationship and is expected to follow Duff’s November release Mature . Both tracks are part of her forthcoming album, Luck… or Something , which is scheduled for release on February 20. Fans responded positively in the comments, expressing excitement about the new music. Koma also reacted to the post, writing, “That’s my girl.” ADVERTISEMENT The music update comes as Duff and Koma remain largely silent on the broader conversation sparked by Tisdale’s essay, in which the actress described feeling excluded from a group of new mothers. Despite the online discourse, Duff has continued promoting her creative work without addressing the controversy directly. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT Source: Geo News 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 United States United States

Wazalendo launch an offensive to retake Kibanda from AFC/M23 in Masisi, as heavy fighting enters a second day in North Kivu. The Wazalendo militia has launched a major offensive aimed at reclaiming the strategic village of Kibanda from the rebel AFC/M23 alliance , triggering a second consecutive day of intense fighting on 26 February in North Kivu’s Masisi territory. According to Actualité.cd, Wazalendo fighters attacked rebel positions on 25 February in a bid to recapture the town, which M23 has held for several months. Heavy and light weapons fire rattled Kibanda and nearby villages from early 26 February, creating a climate of fear; locals, already traumatised by months of insecurity, fled towards safer areas and socio‑economic activities ground to a halt. With no official casualty figures yet, sources say the situation is extremely volatile and both sides are reportedly bringing in reinforcements. The Kibanda assault is part of a wider offensive by the Congolese army (FARDC) and Wazalendo across southern Masisi. A Critical Threats review published on 23 February noted that FARDC and pro‑government militias had launched coordinated attacks on multiple axes in Masisi and Rutshuru districts. These operations follow a fragile ceasefire announced on 18 February, which rebel leader Bertrand Bisimwa claims the government has breached by opting for a “generalised offensive.” United Nations experts warned on 26 February that human‑rights defenders in M23‑controlled areas are facing “extreme” violence, including abductions and torture, underscoring the escalating human‑rights risks as the conflict widens. Masisi’s front lines remain fluid. Another Actualité.cd report later on 26 February described how the Wazalendo briefly seized the villages of Kasenyi and Luke before M23 counterattacks restored rebel control. Communications in the nearby mining hub of Rubaya were cut for a day after drone and artillery strikes damaged cell towers. Foreign observers note that M23’s ability to reposition forces quickly bolstered by Rwandan support complicates Wazalendo and FARDC efforts to hold retaken areas. Meanwhile, international media such as Prensa Latina confirm that clashes are ongoing in Kibanda and other Masisi localities, highlighting the involvement of both Congolese forces and Wazalendo militias . With no clear victor and civilians bearing the brunt of the fighting, the situation in Masisi remains precarious despite diplomatic efforts to revive the ceasefire. Continue Reading Full Article WAR IN DR CONGO Wazalendo Launch Offensive to Retake Kibanda in Masisi By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Feb 26, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Wazalendo militia has launched a major offensive aimed at reclaiming the strategic village of Kibanda from the rebel AFC/M23 alliance , triggering a second consecutive day of intense fighting on 26 February in North Kivu’s Masisi territory. According to Actualité.cd, Wazalendo fighters attacked rebel positions on 25 February in a bid to recapture the town, which M23 has held for several months. Heavy and light weapons fire rattled Kibanda and nearby villages from early 26 February, creating a climate of fear; locals, already traumatised by months of insecurity, fled towards safer areas and socio‑economic activities ground to a halt. With no official casualty figures yet, sources say the situation is extremely volatile and both sides are reportedly bringing in reinforcements. The Kibanda assault is part of a wider offensive by the Congolese army (FARDC) and Wazalendo across southern Masisi. A Critical Threats review published on 23 February noted that FARDC and pro‑government militias had launched coordinated attacks on multiple axes in Masisi and Rutshuru districts. These operations follow a fragile ceasefire announced on 18 February, which rebel leader Bertrand Bisimwa claims the government has breached by opting for a “generalised offensive.” ADVERTISEMENT United Nations experts warned on 26 February that human‑rights defenders in M23‑controlled areas are facing “extreme” violence, including abductions and torture, underscoring the escalating human‑rights risks as the conflict widens. Masisi’s front lines remain fluid. Another Actualité.cd report later on 26 February described how the Wazalendo briefly seized the villages of Kasenyi and Luke before M23 counterattacks restored rebel control. Communications in the nearby mining hub of Rubaya were cut for a day after drone and artillery strikes damaged cell towers. ADVERTISEMENT Foreign observers note that M23’s ability to reposition forces quickly bolstered by Rwandan support complicates Wazalendo and FARDC efforts to hold retaken areas. Meanwhile, international media such as Prensa Latina confirm that clashes are ongoing in Kibanda and other Masisi localities, highlighting the involvement of both Congolese forces and Wazalendo militias . With no clear victor and civilians bearing the brunt of the fighting, the situation in Masisi remains precarious despite diplomatic efforts to revive the ceasefire. 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 African Union African Union M23 Conflict Updates M23 Conflict Updates M23 Rebels M23 Rebels

**Denise Nyakeru urges Congolese worldwide to sign the GENOCOST petition, defend victims’ dignity and advance international recognition.** First Lady Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi has called on Congolese citizens at home and across the diaspora to sign and share a petition seeking recognition of the genocides committed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She made the appeal in a message delivered on Sunday, August 2, 2026, as the country observed the National Day of Tribute to victims of conflict-related sexual violence and victims of crimes against peace and the security of humanity, commonly known as GENOCOST. The annual commemoration gives the nation an opportunity to honour the victims of decades of violence while strengthening the campaign for truth, justice, reparations and non-repetition. XTRAfrica’s August 2 GENOCOST explainer provides more background on the meaning of the national remembrance day and Congo’s continuing demand for recognition. A message of remembrance and solidarity Denise Nyakeru began by honouring the memory of all victims and paying tribute to the people who provided assistance when survivors needed it most. She described August 2 as a call to the national conscience, reminding citizens that the pain caused by conflict can mark families and pass from one generation to another. Behind every silence, she said, is a human story still waiting to be acknowledged. That suffering can be seen in the lives of children, in the courage of women and in the continuing struggle of survivors. Speaking as a woman, a mother, First Lady and Global Champion for the Prevention of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, she offered survivors a clear message of solidarity: “We see you, we hear you.” She reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that their suffering is not forgotten, arguing that preserving memory is essential to discouraging impunity and preventing future atrocities. Every signature can become a voice Continue Reading Full Article GENOCOST Denise Nyakeru Urges Congolese to Sign GENOCOST Recognition Petition By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Aug 3, 2026 Aug 5, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: First Lady Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi has called on Congolese citizens at home and across the diaspora to sign and share a petition seeking recognition of the genocides committed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She made the appeal in a message delivered on Sunday, August 2, 2026, as the country observed the National Day of Tribute to victims of conflict-related sexual violence and victims of crimes against peace and the security of humanity, commonly known as GENOCOST. The annual commemoration gives the nation an opportunity to honour the victims of decades of violence while strengthening the campaign for truth, justice, reparations and non-repetition. XTRAfrica’s August 2 GENOCOST explainer provides more background on the meaning of the national remembrance day and Congo’s continuing demand for recognition. A message of remembrance and solidarity Denise Nyakeru began by honouring the memory of all victims and paying tribute to the people who provided assistance when survivors needed it most. She described August 2 as a call to the national conscience, reminding citizens that the pain caused by conflict can mark families and pass from one generation to another. Behind every silence, she said, is a human story still waiting to be acknowledged. That suffering can be seen in the lives of children, in the courage of women and in the continuing struggle of survivors. ADVERTISEMENT Speaking as a woman, a mother, First Lady and Global Champion for the Prevention of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, she offered survivors a clear message of solidarity: “We see you, we hear you.” She reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that their suffering is not forgotten, arguing that preserving memory is essential to discouraging impunity and preventing future atrocities. Every signature can become a voice The First Lady urged Congolese citizens, members of the diaspora and people around the world who believe in justice to take a concrete step by supporting the recognition campaign. “Signing this petition is not simply adding a name to a list,” she said. In her message, a signature represents a refusal to remain silent and a commitment to breaking cycles of violence. She called for crimes committed against the Congolese population to be clearly named. Within the wider record of atrocities committed on Congolese soil, she said, certain acts and organised campaigns of violence may meet the legal definition of genocide and have been extensively documented. The appeal forms part of the DRC’s wider effort to place the experiences of Congolese victims before the international community. President Félix Tshisekedi has also carried the recognition campaign to international audiences, including through the DRC’s GENOCOST advocacy at the United Nations . ADVERTISEMENT Recognition is a path to dignity and peace Denise Nyakeru stressed that the petition is not intended to place one people’s suffering against another or to reopen wounds. Its purpose, she explained, is to restore the dignity of victims and create a path towards justice, reparations, guarantees of non-repetition and lasting peace. “Recognition is not division. Recognition is humanisation,” she said, presenting remembrance as a way to return victims to their rightful place in Congo’s collective memory. Her message reflects the DRC government’s position that national remembrance must protect survivors, preserve evidence and strengthen the country’s pursuit of justice. During the 2026 commemoration, President Tshisekedi also described GENOCOST as a commitment to dignity rather than hatred or revenge and emphasised that formal legal classification falls within the authority of competent judicial institutions. 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 Genocost Denise Nyakeru Urges Congolese to Sign GENOCOST Recognition Petition . Genocost Tshisekedi Funds GENOCOST Strategy, Advances Museum . Justice & Crime Genocost: The Human Cost of Congo’s Decades of War . Diplomacy Tshisekedi in New York: Engages U.S. Media on Congo, Rwanda & GENOCOST . Genocost Tshisekedi at the UN: Congo Demands Recognition of GENOCOST . ADVERTISEMENT A call to Congolese citizens and the diaspora The First Lady concluded by asking every supporter to transform remembrance into action. She encouraged Congolese citizens and friends of the DRC to sign the petition, share it through their communities and help carry the voices of victims further across the world. “May every signature become a voice that helps break the silence,” she said. The public can support the campaign by signing the petition for recognition of the genocides committed in the DRC and sharing it with others. For Denise Nyakeru, the goal is to ensure that Congolese victims are seen, heard and remembered, and that national memory becomes a foundation for justice, healing and durable peace. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Genocost Denise Nyakeru Urges Congolese to Sign GENOCOST Recognition Petition First Lady says every signature can break the silence, defend victims and advance justice. . Genocost Tshisekedi Funds GENOCOST Strategy, Advances Museum New measures place victim recognition, national memory and justice at the centre of state policy. . Justice & Crime Genocost: The Human Cost of Congo’s Decades of War Genocost is the Congolese name for the human and economic cost of decades of mass violence. . Diplomacy Tshisekedi in New York: Engages U.S. Media on Congo, Rwanda & GENOCOST In New York, Tshisekedi engaged U.S. media on Congo’s crisis, accused Rwanda and M23 of massacres . Tags Genocost Genocost DR.Congo DR.Congo Breaking News Breaking News Featured News Featured News Genocost Genocost

Zimbabwe has gained significant advantages from its participation in the second edition of the Iran-Africa International Economic Conference, according to Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga. The conference, which concluded recently, saw Zimbabwe's VP leading the delegation and engaging with key figures including Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi. During his visit, VP Chiwenga explored various economic opportunities and shared insights on how Iran has managed to thrive economically despite facing Western sanctions. He highlighted Iran’s advancements in sectors like agriculture, food processing, and the medical field, emphasizing the potential lessons Zimbabwe could apply from Iran's approach to small and medium enterprise (SME) development and financing. "Iran has developed a robust system to support SMEs, including specialized funding for exports," VP Chiwenga remarked. "This mirrors our vision in Zimbabwe where we aim to elevate our SMEs to bolster economic growth." Moreover, Iran's educational strategies, particularly in health and vocational training, were also points of interest. With 68 universities dedicated to medical training, Iran exemplifies a model of self-sufficient educational advancement under sanctions—a path Zimbabwe is eager to emulate. The vice president also reiterated the Zimbabwean mantra, "Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo" (The country is built by its own people), signaling a commitment to self-reliance and national unity. This diplomatic and economic engagement is part of Zimbabwe's broader foreign policy under President Mnangagwa, aiming to establish Zimbabwe as "a friend to all and enemy to none." Through international collaborations like the Iran-Africa Economic Conference, Zimbabwe seeks to diversify its investment sources and drive its economic agenda forward amidst ongoing sanctions. The experience and connections from the conference are set to influence Zimbabwe's economic strategies, leveraging international cooperation for domestic and regional development. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment May 3, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: During his visit, VP Chiwenga explored various economic opportunities Zimbabwe has gained significant advantages from its participation in the second edition of the Iran-Africa International Economic Conference, according to Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga. The conference, which concluded recently, saw Zimbabwe's VP leading the delegation and engaging with key figures including Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi. During his visit, VP Chiwenga explored various economic opportunities and shared insights on how Iran has managed to thrive economically despite facing Western sanctions. He highlighted Iran’s advancements in sectors like agriculture, food processing, and the medical field, emphasizing the potential lessons Zimbabwe could apply from Iran's approach to small and medium enterprise (SME) development and financing. ADVERTISEMENT "Iran has developed a robust system to support SMEs, including specialized funding for exports," VP Chiwenga remarked. "This mirrors our vision in Zimbabwe where we aim to elevate our SMEs to bolster economic growth." Moreover, Iran's educational strategies, particularly in health and vocational training, were also points of interest. With 68 universities dedicated to medical training, Iran exemplifies a model of self-sufficient educational advancement under sanctions—a path Zimbabwe is eager to emulate. The vice president also reiterated the Zimbabwean mantra, ADVERTISEMENT "Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo" (The country is built by its own people), signaling a commitment to self-reliance and national unity. This diplomatic and economic engagement is part of Zimbabwe's broader foreign policy under President Mnangagwa, aiming to establish Zimbabwe as "a friend to all and enemy to none." Through international collaborations like the Iran-Africa Economic Conference, Zimbabwe seeks to diversify its investment sources and drive its economic agenda forward amidst ongoing sanctions. The experience and connections from the conference are set to influence Zimbabwe's economic strategies, leveraging international cooperation for domestic and regional development. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

Discover what Maasai people eat, including milk, meat, blood, ugali, beans, wild plants and the changing diets of Kenya and Tanzania. Ask what Maasai people eat and the usual answer is milk, meat and cattle blood. Those foods are important, but the familiar three-item list is incomplete. It describes an idealised pastoral diet more neatly than it describes every meal eaten in Maasai homes today. Across Kenya and Tanzania, Maasai diets vary with rainfall, livestock numbers, household income, age, location and access to markets. Fresh or soured milk may share the table with ugali, beans, potatoes, vegetables, rice, chapati and sweetened tea. Meat is valued, yet it is not necessarily an everyday food. Blood is culturally significant, but many Maasai consume it only occasionally or not at all. The clearest answer is therefore this: Maasai food grows from a cattle-centred pastoral heritage, but it has always responded to season and circumstance. Modern Maasai meals combine livestock foods, cultivated staples, gathered plants and purchased ingredients. Who Are the Maasai? The Maasai are an Indigenous East African people whose homeland crosses southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. They speak Maa and have historically organised much of their livelihood around cattle, sheep, goats, seasonal grazing and community life. Yet Maasai people are not one uniform rural population. They include pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, farmers, professionals and urban families. The collaborative Maasai Living Cultures project at Oxford’s Pitt Rivers Museum brings together representatives from Kenya and Tanzania and stresses that Maasai culture is living rather than frozen in the past. For broader background, read XTRAfrica’s guide to Maasai culture, history and traditions . Even familiar cultural features, from herding to Maasai beadwork and modern craft , differ by community, generation and purpose. Food deserves the same careful treatment. The Short Answer: What Foods Do Maasai Eat? Commonly documented foods include: fresh, boiled or soured cow’s milk; Continue Reading Full Article AFRICAN CULTURE What Do Maasai People Eat? Traditional Foods and Modern Diets By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Jul 16, 2026 Jul 17, 2026 13 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Ask what Maasai people eat and the usual answer is milk, meat and cattle blood. Those foods are important, but the familiar three-item list is incomplete. It describes an idealised pastoral diet more neatly than it describes every meal eaten in Maasai homes today. Across Kenya and Tanzania, Maasai diets vary with rainfall, livestock numbers, household income, age, location and access to markets. Fresh or soured milk may share the table with ugali, beans, potatoes, vegetables, rice, chapati and sweetened tea. Meat is valued, yet it is not necessarily an everyday food. Blood is culturally significant, but many Maasai consume it only occasionally or not at all. A Maasai pastoralist milks a cow by hand into a traditional container, highlighting the importance of fresh milk in the Maasai diet. The clearest answer is therefore this: Maasai food grows from a cattle-centred pastoral heritage, but it has always responded to season and circumstance. Modern Maasai meals combine livestock foods, cultivated staples, gathered plants and purchased ingredients. Who Are the Maasai? The Maasai are an Indigenous East African people whose homeland crosses southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. They speak Maa and have historically organised much of their livelihood around cattle, sheep, goats, seasonal grazing and community life. Yet Maasai people are not one uniform rural population. A Maasai family stands outside a traditional mud-and-stick homestead ( enkaji ), dressed in colorful shúkà cloth and intricate beadwork. They include pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, farmers, professionals and urban families. The collaborative Maasai Living Cultures project at Oxford’s Pitt Rivers Museum brings together representatives from Kenya and Tanzania and stresses that Maasai culture is living rather than frozen in the past. For broader background, read XTRAfrica’s guide to Maasai culture, history and traditions . Even familiar cultural features, from herding to Maasai beadwork and modern craft , differ by community, generation and purpose. Food deserves the same careful treatment. The Short Answer: What Foods Do Maasai Eat? Commonly documented foods include: fresh, boiled or soured cow’s milk; milk tea, often sweetened; beef, goat and mutton; cattle blood, consumed in particular contexts rather than as a universal daily drink; ugali or other maize-meal preparations; beans, potatoes, rice and chapati; cabbage, kale and other vegetables; soups made with meat, bones, roots, bark or herbs; seasonal wild fruits, roots and honey; and ghee and other animal or purchased cooking fats. A major FAO-hosted study of the Maasai food system examined 120 households in Enkereyian, Kajiado, during a severe drought. Milk, meat and blood remained the key traditional foods, but they supplied only 7 percent of recorded energy; maize and beans were the principal staples at the time (Oiye et al., 2009, p. 233). That result should not be treated as a timeless statistic for all Maasai. It shows how strongly drought and food access can reshape actual consumption. Milk: A Daily Food and More Than a Drink Milk is the most consistent link between the pastoral ideal and ordinary meals. It can be drunk fresh, boiled or soured, added to tea, churned into butter or clarified into ghee. Availability rises and falls with rainfall, pasture, herd size and the number of lactating animals. A Maasai woman milks a cow by hand in a traditional cattle enclosure, reflecting the central role of livestock in Maasai culture. ADVERTISEMENT Research in Mabwegere village in Tanzania recorded milk as a traditional staple, consumed raw or soured, in tea, and as butter, ghee or cheese. Participants also described milk as especially important for young children (Massoi & Saruni, 2020, p. 125). These findings belong to one Tanzanian community, but they show why “milk” is not a single preparation. A small 2007 study among Loodokilani Maasai in Kenya gives an especially useful picture of real meals. In that sample, cow’s milk and ugali each supplied roughly one-third of dietary energy , while sweetened milk tea, beans and potatoes also contributed. Fermented milk was more available in wet seasons, and the researchers cautioned that their group included only 26 adults from nine settlements (Knoll et al., 2011, “Food and nutrient intake” section). Meat: Valued, Shared and Often Occasional Caattle is not simply walking stores of meat. They provide milk, reproduce the herd and carry economic and social value. Slaughter may therefore be connected to ceremonies, hospitality or moments when an animal is deliberately selected. The Enkereyian research found that meat was commonly eaten at occasions including marriages and circumcisions. Meat and bones could be boiled into soup with plant additives, while meat could also be roasted (Oiye et al., 2009, p. 238). Goat and sheep meat are also part of Maasai foodways, and what is available differs between households. This distinction between livestock wealth and daily meat consumption also appears in other African pastoral settings. XTRAfrica’s account of Himba food and daily life offers a useful comparison, although Himba and Maasai practices should never be treated as identical. Do Maasai People Really Drink Blood? Yes, cattle blood is a documented Maasai food, but the dramatic image of everyone drinking fresh blood every day is false. Consumption depends on place, season, age, gender, household practice and occasion. Maasai practice bloodletting Maasai practice bloodletting Maasai practice bloodletting An ethnographic study of Maasai gastronomy in Kajiado County involved six focus groups and 93 interviews, mainly with male and female elders in 2017–2018. Participants described blood mixed with fresh or soured milk, blood cooked until it formed small clots, and blood cooked with herbs. They also connected some preparations to dry-season scarcity, strength and social identity (Fontefrancesco & Lekanayia, 2018, pp. 79–81). The Loodokilani study found that participants’ last blood consumption averaged several months before the interview. Some had eaten blood in a cooked meat dish; a smaller share reported pure blood or blood mixed with milk, and a few said they had never consumed it (Knoll et al., 2011, “Food and nutrient intake” section). This small sample cannot represent all Maasai, but it firmly disproves the idea of a universal daily habit. Drinking cow blood is normal with the Maasai Drinking cow blood is normal with the Maasai Drinking cow blood is normal with the Maasai Bloodletting also occurs among some other cattle-keeping peoples, but each practice has its own names and social setting. XTRAfrica’s article on cattle bloodletting among the Suri explains why cross-cultural similarities should not erase differences. ADVERTISEMENT Ugali, Beans, Tea and Other Everyday Staples For many Maasai households, the most ordinary meal may be far less dramatic than outsiders expect. Ugali a firm maize-meal porridge is widely eaten with milk, beans, meat or vegetables. Tea may contain milk and sugar. Rice, potatoes and chapati appear where households can grow or purchase them. During the Enkereyian survey, maize, milk and beans formed the main pattern, with potatoes, cabbage, kale and meat completing the diet of many households (Oiye et al., 2009, p. 248). In Mabwegere, Maasai participants described eating more maize meal, rice and chapati as cattle, land and access to traditional livestock foods declined (Massoi & Saruni, 2020, pp. 124–127). Ugali is part of the Maasai diet These foods should not be dismissed as proof that Maasai culture has disappeared. Diets change when families settle, attend school, work in towns, farm, trade or face drought. A plate of ugali and beans can be both an East African everyday meal and part of contemporary Maasai life. Wild Fruits, Roots, Herbs and Honey Plant foods are another missing part of the stereotype. The Enkereyian project documented 35 traditional food species, including wild fruits, edible roots and herbs used in milk or soup. Children and women gathered and ate much of the wild fruit, while herders chewed some succulent roots for thirst (Oiye et al., 2009, pp. 239–244). Herbs and tree parts may be boiled with soup or prepared as extracts, but their use should not be reduced to flavouring. Community knowledge may connect particular plants with appetite, strength, recovery or health. Those claims need to be presented as documented local knowledge rather than universal medical facts. Honey is also valued, although it is generally less central than milk or maize. The wider point is simple: livestock products sit inside a broader ecological food system, not outside it. Food, Sharing and Social Meaning Food can mark age, gender, hospitality, ceremony and belonging. The Kajiado gastronomy study found that milk, meat and blood were governed by social expectations and taboos, including rules described for warriors and for the distribution of particular meat portions (Fontefrancesco & Lekanayia, 2018, pp. 81–83). These accounts are valuable, but they came mainly from elders in three group-ranch areas and should not be turned into rules for every Maasai household. Masai usually share milk, meat and blood UNESCO’s record of Enkipaata, Eunoto and Olng’esherr identifies Olng’esherr as a meat-eating ceremony marking the end of moranism and entry into eldership. Food here does more than feed the body: it helps make a life transition socially visible. Sharing also matters. Readers interested in how food distribution shapes social life elsewhere can compare this carefully with XTRAfrica’s study of food sharing among the Hadza , while remembering that Hadza and Maasai food systems are fundamentally different. Why Maasai Diets Are Changing Reduced grazing land, smaller herds, drought, schooling, wage work, farming and market access all affect what families can eat. The FAO account of Maasai agro-pastoral heritage in southern Kenya describes communities combining animals with food plants under conditions of scarce water and grazing land. 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 Travel and Immigration Barrick Confirms Tanzania’s 15-Year North Mara Mining Licence Renewal . Travel Guide Stone Town Travel Guide: History, Food and a Walking Route . Travel Guide Mafia Island Travel Guide: Diving, Whale Sharks and When to Go . African Culture Nyerere vs Ruaha: Choosing a Southern Tanzania Safari . African Culture Tanzania Visa and Entry Requirements: What Travellers Need . ADVERTISEMENT Change can create choice, but it can also expose food insecurity. If livestock produce less milk, a family may depend more heavily on purchased maize, oil and sugar. When income fails or prices rise, those substitutes may also become difficult to obtain. A Cultural Survival interview with Maasai activist Tunda Lepore likewise links the food system to livestock and warns that Indigenous food knowledge can be lost as elders pass away. The best response is not to demand that Maasai people return to an imagined past. It is to support land, livestock, water, cultural knowledge and access to diverse, safe foods on terms shaped by communities themselves. Is the Traditional Maasai Diet a Health Secret? It should not be copied as a “carnivore diet.” Historical studies of Maasai health are often separated from physical activity, periods of low energy intake, environment, infectious disease and genetic variation. A 2025 review of claims about Maasai and modern carnivore diets concluded that direct comparisons with industrialised populations are misleading because the biological and social contexts are different (Goldman et al., 2025, p. 1). Maasai food should be understood as a living cultural system, not used as advertising for someone else’s diet plan. Frequently Asked Questions What is the main traditional food of the Maasai? Milk is one of the most consistent traditional staples. Meat and blood are culturally important, but their consumption can be occasional and varies by community and circumstance. Do Maasai people eat vegetables? Yes. Studies record cabbage, kale, beans, potatoes and other cultivated or purchased plant foods, alongside wild fruits, roots and herbs. Amounts vary with place, season and access. Do all Maasai drink raw blood? No. Some Maasai consume blood fresh, mixed with milk or cooked in particular dishes. Others consume it rarely or not at all. It is not a universal daily drink. Do Maasai people eat ugali? Yes. Ugali is a major everyday staple in many Maasai households in both Kenya and Tanzania, often eaten with milk, beans, vegetables or meat. Conclusion Maasai people eat milk, meat and sometimes cattle blood but also ugali, beans, tea, potatoes, vegetables, rice, chapati, wild fruits, roots, herbs and honey. The balance changes across seasons, households and regions. That fuller picture is more accurate than the tourist stereotype. It respects a cattle-centred heritage while recognising how real Maasai families in Kenya and Tanzania adapt their meals to land, climate, work, markets and modern life. Sources and Further Reading Oiye, Shadrack; Simel, Joseph Ole; Oniang’o, Ruth; and Johns, Timothy. 2009. “ The Maasai Food System and Food and Nutrition Security .” In Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems (pp. 231–249). Fontefrancesco, Michele F., and Leah Lekanayia. 2018. “ Meanings and Taboos in Traditional Gastronomy of Maasai Communities in Kajiado County, Kenya .” Antrocom Online Journal of Anthropology 14(1): 77–85. Massoi, Lucy, and Parit Saruni. 2020. “ Changing Dietary Practices: The New Food Insecurity among the Pastoralists in Mabwegere Village, Kilosa District .” Kivukoni Journal 4–7: 120–139. Knoll, Nina; Kuhnt, Katrin; Kyallo, Francis M.; Kiage-Mokua, Beatrice N.; and Jahreis, Gerhard. 2011. “ High Content of Long-Chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Red Blood Cells of Kenyan Maasai Despite Low Dietary Intake .” Lipids in Health and Disease 10:141. Goldman, David M.; Waterfall, Thomas J.; and Nagra, Matthew. 2025. “ Traditional Maasai Dietary Practices and Their Inapplicability to Modern Carnivore Diets: A Narrative Review .” Cureus 17(5): e83836. Pitt Rivers Museum. “ Maasai Living Cultures .” University of Oxford. Cultural Survival Indigenous Rights Radio. 2025. “ Maasai Indigenous People of Kenya and Their Food Systems .” Interview with Tunda Lepore. Editor's Source-Transparency Note This article draws on studies from specific Maasai communities in Enkereyian, Loitokitok-area group ranches and Loodokilani in Kenya, plus Mabwegere and wider Tanzanian evidence. Findings were kept within their geographic and historical scope. No single village study was presented as a rule for all Maasai people. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Travel and Immigration Barrick Confirms Tanzania’s 15-Year North Mara Mining Licence Renewal The renewal supports long-term planning, but no new investment or hiring target has been announced. . Travel Guide Stone Town Travel Guide: History, Food and a Walking Route Stone Town occupies the western side of Unguja, the main island in the Zanzibar archipelago . Travel Guide Mafia Island Travel Guide: Diving, Whale Sharks and When to Go Plan Mafia Island by coast and season, with diving, whale sharks, transport, fees and places to stay. . African Culture Nyerere vs Ruaha: Choosing a Southern Tanzania Safari Compare wildlife, activities, access and costs before choosing Tanzania’s southern safari park. . Tags Visit Tanzania Visit Tanzania Kenya Kenya Tanzania Tanzania The Maasai People The Maasai People African Culture African Culture

Niger’s junta has confirmed that anti-junta rebels sabotaged an oil pipeline transporting crude oil to Benin. The Patriotic Liberation Front, advocating for the release of former President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted in a coup last July, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group has threatened further assaults on oil installations and urged Chinese companies operating the pipeline to withdraw support for the military regime. This incident is a significant setback for the newly opened 2,000km pipeline, crucial to both Niger and Benin's economies, amid deteriorating bilateral relations. State media reported that those responsible for the pipeline sabotage would be apprehended and prosecuted. Public prosecutor Ousmane Baydo confirmed the group's involvement. Footage from Tele Sahel showed extensive oil spill damage in Niger's southern Zinder region. The pipeline, launched last year, connects Niger's Agadem oilfield to Benin’s coast. However, its future is uncertain following last year’s coup and the subsequent regional sanctions on Niger. Although Ecowas lifted sanctions and reopened borders in February, Niger kept its borders closed to Benin, accusing it of hosting French forces training insurgents. This led Benin to block Niger’s initial oil exports. Despite France denying any military presence in Benin, tensions between the countries have persisted. China intervened to ease the situation, allowing Niger to export its first crude batch via Benin in May. Nonetheless, disputes continued, with five Niger nationals recently arrested at a Benin oil port, halting a second crude shipment. Three were given suspended sentences and expelled to Niamey. This ongoing conflict threatens the stability and economic prospects of both nations as Niger aligns more closely with Russia, having expelled French troops that were combating regional militant Islamists. By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Jun 22, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Niger’s junta has confirmed that anti-junta rebels sabotaged an oil pipeline transporting crude oil to Benin. The Patriotic Liberation Front, advocating for the release of former President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted in a coup last July, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group has threatened further assaults on oil installations and urged Chinese companies operating the pipeline to withdraw support for the military regime. This incident is a significant setback for the newly opened 2,000km pipeline, crucial to both Niger and Benin's economies, amid deteriorating bilateral relations. State media reported that those responsible for the pipeline sabotage would be apprehended and prosecuted. Public prosecutor Ousmane Baydo confirmed the group's involvement. Footage from Tele Sahel showed extensive oil spill damage in Niger's southern Zinder region. ADVERTISEMENT The pipeline, launched last year, connects Niger's Agadem oilfield to Benin’s coast. However, its future is uncertain following last year’s coup and the subsequent regional sanctions on Niger. Although Ecowas lifted sanctions and reopened borders in February, Niger kept its borders closed to Benin, accusing it of hosting French forces training insurgents. This led Benin to block Niger’s initial oil exports. ADVERTISEMENT Despite France denying any military presence in Benin, tensions between the countries have persisted. China intervened to ease the situation, allowing Niger to export its first crude batch via Benin in May. Nonetheless, disputes continued, with five Niger nationals recently arrested at a Benin oil port, halting a second crude shipment. Three were given suspended sentences and expelled to Niamey. This ongoing conflict threatens the stability and economic prospects of both nations as Niger aligns more closely with Russia, having expelled French troops that were combating regional militant Islamists. 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

Uganda’s election results are being contested after President Museveni’s re-election, with opposition leader Bobi Wine alleging fraud, violence, & internet blackout Uganda’s latest presidential election has delivered another decisive victory for President Yoweri Museveni, but the result has immediately been plunged into controversy, with the opposition rejecting the outcome and alleging widespread fraud, violence, and repression. According to Uganda’s Electoral Commission, President Museveni secured just under 72% of the vote, extending his rule into a fifth decade in power. His main challenger, opposition leader and former pop star Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi), was credited with 24%. While the margin of victory surprised few observers, the conditions under which the election was held have become the central issue. The vote took place under a nationwide internet blackout , which authorities justified as a measure to prevent “misinformation.” The opposition, however, says the blackout was designed to obstruct transparency and prevent independent verification of results. Bobi Wine and his allies argue that declaration forms and tally sheets from polling stations have not been publicly shared, making it impossible for citizens to confirm the official figures. Tensions escalated sharply after polling day. Bobi Wine reported that his home was raided by police and military forces, who allegedly cut electricity, disabled CCTV cameras, and used a helicopter to assist the operation. He said he managed to escape and went into hiding, while claiming that his wife and family members were placed under house arrest, assertions that Reuters said it could not independently verify. Violence has further deepened the dispute. Ugandan police reported that seven people were killed in clashes after polls closed, saying officers acted in self-defense against opposition-linked groups. Opposition figures strongly dispute this account, claiming that security forces opened fire on civilians, including an incident in which up to 10 people were allegedly killed inside a lawmaker’s home. Additional deaths were reported in several districts, though exact figures remain contested. Bobi Wine has accused the government of ballot stuffing, mass arrests of opposition agents, and systematic intimidation throughout the campaign. He has called on Ugandans to nonviolently reject the results, demanding the restoration of internet access and the public release of polling station data before any final declaration is accepted. President Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, has long dominated state institutions and previously amended the constitution to remove age and term limits. While Western governments have repeatedly raised concerns about Uganda’s elections, the United States said the 2021 vote was neither free nor fair. Museveni continues to enjoy international support for Uganda’s regional military role and its hosting of millions of refugees. For many Ugandans, the current dispute is not only about who won the election, but how power is exercised, how votes are counted, and whether citizens are allowed to verify outcomes. As speculation grows around Museveni’s eventual succession, including persistent talk of his son’s political future, the credibility of electoral processes is once again under intense scrutiny. At the heart of the standoff lies a familiar question in Ugandan politics: stability versus accountability, and whether elections can genuinely offer a peaceful path for political change. ELECTIONS Why Uganda's election results are being contested By Serge Kabongo Sports & Entertainment Serge Kabongo Home Comment Jan 17, 2026 Oct 10, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Uganda’s latest presidential election has delivered another decisive victory for President Yoweri Museveni, but the result has immediately been plunged into controversy, with the opposition rejecting the outcome and alleging widespread fraud, violence, and repression. According to Uganda’s Electoral Commission, President Museveni secured just under 72% of the vote, extending his rule into a fifth decade in power. His main challenger, opposition leader and former pop star Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi), was credited with 24%. While the margin of victory surprised few observers, the conditions under which the election was held have become the central issue. The vote took place under a nationwide internet blackout , which authorities justified as a measure to prevent “misinformation.” The opposition, however, says the blackout was designed to obstruct transparency and prevent independent verification of results. Bobi Wine and his allies argue that declaration forms and tally sheets from polling stations have not been publicly shared, making it impossible for citizens to confirm the official figures. ADVERTISEMENT Tensions escalated sharply after polling day. Bobi Wine reported that his home was raided by police and military forces, who allegedly cut electricity, disabled CCTV cameras, and used a helicopter to assist the operation. He said he managed to escape and went into hiding, while claiming that his wife and family members were placed under house arrest, assertions that Reuters said it could not independently verify. Violence has further deepened the dispute. Ugandan police reported that seven people were killed in clashes after polls closed, saying officers acted in self-defense against opposition-linked groups. Opposition figures strongly dispute this account, claiming that security forces opened fire on civilians, including an incident in which up to 10 people were allegedly killed inside a lawmaker’s home. Additional deaths were reported in several districts, though exact figures remain contested. ADVERTISEMENT Bobi Wine has accused the government of ballot stuffing, mass arrests of opposition agents, and systematic intimidation throughout the campaign. He has called on Ugandans to nonviolently reject the results, demanding the restoration of internet access and the public release of polling station data before any final declaration is accepted. President Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, has long dominated state institutions and previously amended the constitution to remove age and term limits. While Western governments have repeatedly raised concerns about Uganda’s elections, the United States said the 2021 vote was neither free nor fair. Museveni continues to enjoy international support for Uganda’s regional military role and its hosting of millions of refugees. 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 Justice & Crime Inside DRC’s Operation to Bring Denise Dusauchoy to Kinshasa . Rwanda Politics Kagame Sides With Journalist Against His Own Foreign Minister . Natural Disasters Guinea Landfill Landslide Kills 30 as Search Continues . Justice & Crime Niger Governor Orders Rescue of Worshippers Abducted in Borgu . Biography DJ Maphorisa Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Amapiano Rise . ADVERTISEMENT For many Ugandans, the current dispute is not only about who won the election, but how power is exercised, how votes are counted, and whether citizens are allowed to verify outcomes. As speculation grows around Museveni’s eventual succession, including persistent talk of his son’s political future, the credibility of electoral processes is once again under intense scrutiny. At the heart of the standoff lies a familiar question in Ugandan politics: stability versus accountability, and whether elections can genuinely offer a peaceful path for political change. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Justice & Crime Inside DRC’s Operation to Bring Denise Dusauchoy to Kinshasa How a DRC warrant, Tanzanian cooperation and a reported private jet brought Denise Dusauchoy . Rwanda Politics Kagame Sides With Journalist Against His Own Foreign Minister Kagame said Olivier Nduhungirehe, not journalist Scovia Umutesi, should have apologized. . Natural Disasters Guinea Landfill Landslide Kills 30 as Search Continues Rescuers are searching for survivors after a massive waste collapse buried homes in Conakry. . Justice & Crime Niger Governor Orders Rescue of Worshippers Abducted in Borgu Governor Bago orders intensified rescue efforts as officials verify how many worshippers were abducted. . Tags Trending News Trending News Uganda Uganda