Check if SARS owes you a refund on eFiling with your ITA34 and Statement of Account. A minus amount means a refund is due. Log in to SARS eFiling and open your Notice of Assessment (ITA34) and your Income Tax Statement of Account (ITSA). Those two documents show whether SARS owes you a refund, or whether you owe SARS. A minus or negative amount on your ITA34 means a refund is due to you. If SARS owes you money, the refund amount and payment date appear on the Statement of Account. Use official SARS channels only. If you already know a refund is in process, XTRAfrica also explains how to check your SARS tax refund status . Need to sign in first? Use the SARS eFiling login guide . Official portals Use these SARS pages and tools: SARS eFiling — log in and open your ITA34 and Statement of Account Where do I find my ITA34 — official steps to see if you have a refund or owe SARS for a tax year What a minus amount on the ITA34 means Where do I find my Statement of Account (ITSA) Refund amount and payment date on eFiling Continue Reading Full Article TAX AND REVENUE How to Check if SARS Owes You a Refund By The Editorial Staff Public Services The Editorial Staff Home Comment Aug 29, 2026 Aug 29, 2026 10 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Log in to SARS eFiling and open your Notice of Assessment (ITA34) and your Income Tax Statement of Account (ITSA). Those two documents show whether SARS owes you a refund, or whether you owe SARS. A minus or negative amount on your ITA34 means a refund is due to you. If SARS owes you money, the refund amount and payment date appear on the Statement of Account. Use official SARS channels only. If you already know a refund is in process, XTRAfrica also explains how to check your SARS tax refund status . Need to sign in first? Use the SARS eFiling login guide . Official portals Use these SARS pages and tools: SARS eFiling — log in and open your ITA34 and Statement of Account Where do I find my ITA34 — official steps to see if you have a refund or owe SARS for a tax year What a minus amount on the ITA34 means Where do I find my Statement of Account (ITSA) Refund amount and payment date on eFiling How auto-assessment refunds work SARS Mobile Tax Services — WhatsApp, USSD and SMS How to check your tax refund status — once a refund is already in process Type the SARS address yourself. Do not follow a refund SMS or email link. What you need Your eFiling username and password, or the SARS MobiApp Your South African ID number, or the passport or asylum-seeker number SARS has on record Your tax reference number for some phone channels The cellphone number already saved on your SARS eFiling profile, if you use WhatsApp, USSD or SMS Check your ITA34 Notice of Assessment Your ITA34 shows whether you owe SARS money or whether a refund is due for that tax year. SARS says a negative amount on the ITA34 means a refund is due to you. If you owe SARS, the payment due date is on the ITA34 under Details. On eFiling, SARS lists these steps: ADVERTISEMENT Go to SARS Correspondence, then Request Historic IT Notices, then Next. Select the tax year and click Request. Open the ITA34 link that appears. You can also request a Notice of Assessment on SARS WhatsApp. Save 0800 11 7277, send Hi or Hello, then choose Notice of Assessment from the menu. Use the cellphone number registered on your eFiling profile. Check your Statement of Account (ITSA) The ITSA shows the overall balance on your tax account, including any penalty and interest, and your transaction history per tax year. If SARS owes you money, the refund amount and payment date show on the ITSA. After you log in to eFiling, click the Statement of Account icon at the top right of the screen. SARS says: The refund amount, if there is one, appears in the Transaction value column The date next to Electronic refund is the date SARS says the amount will be paid into your bank account You can also request a Statement of Account on WhatsApp (0800 11 7277), the SARS MobiApp, or by SMS. For SMS, send Balance, a space, then your ID, passport or asylum-seeker number to 47277. Check on your phone SARS Mobile Tax Services let you see an account balance or request statements without sitting at a computer. WhatsApp: Save 0800 11 7277. Send Hi or Hello. The Personal Income Tax menu includes Statement of Account, Notice of Assessment and Refund Status. You need data, and the number must match your eFiling profile. This service is not for tax practitioners. USSD: Dial *134*7277#. SARS lists What is my account balance? as one of the menu items. The USSD channel is free for individual Personal Income Tax taxpayers. ADVERTISEMENT SMS: Text 47277 with Balance, a space, then your ID, passport or asylum-seeker number to request account-related information and a Statement of Account. If you were auto-assessed For Filing Season 2026, SARS says: Refunds of R100 or more are paid automatically within 72 hours Refunds of less than R100 are added to your account and paid out when the account balance exceeds R100 You can view that account on eFiling or the SARS MobiApp If the assessment shows you owe SARS R100 or more, pay by the due date on the ITA34 If you need to check whether you were auto-assessed, see XTRAfrica’s SARS Auto Assessment 2026 guide . What the numbers mean Minus or negative amount on the ITA34: a refund is due to you Amount owed on the ITA34: you must pay SARS, and the due date is under Details ITSA Electronic refund date: the date SARS says the refund should reach your bank Refund under R100: SARS rolls it over until the account balance exceeds R100 If a refund is due Confirm your banking details on eFiling or the MobiApp. SARS says payment also depends on whether those details are correct. SARS aims, in its Service Charter, to pay nine out of every ten taxpayer refunds due within 72 hours if the refund is more than R100. That also depends on no outstanding returns and no audit. Once you know a refund is due, follow how to check SARS tax refund status . If the bank account is wrong, see how to update your SARS banking details . Common problems There is no ITA34 yet. If you have no ITA34 for that year, SARS has not issued an assessment you can check yet. File the return, or wait for an auto-assessment if SARS selected you. The balance is R0, or you owe SARS. That is not a refund. Pay any amount due by the ITA34 due date. WhatsApp or USSD does not work. The cellphone number must be the one on your Personal Income Tax profile. Update it on eFiling or the MobiApp first. WhatsApp, USSD and SMS are not available for tax practitioners. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Tax and Revenue How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Check if SARS Owes You a Refund . Tax and Revenue How to Update Your Banking Details With SARS . Tax and Revenue How to Get Your SARS Tax Number Online . Tax and Revenue SARS Auto Assessment 2026: How to Check and What to Do . ADVERTISEMENT A refund is showing but has not arrived. Check status on official channels. Outstanding returns, wrong bank details, debt, or an audit can hold a payment. Scam warning Refund scams are common. SARS says you are at risk if you share eFiling login details. Do not tap a refund link in a message that claims SARS owes you money Type sarsefiling.co.za and sars.gov.za yourself Do not send your password, OTP or banking PIN to anyone who contacts you first If you think a message is a scam, SARS lists these options: report suspicious activity online, call 012 422 7435 to confirm a SARS official, call the SARS Anti-Corruption and Fraud Hotline on 0800 00 2870, or call the Contact Centre on 0800 00 7277. Frequently asked questions Does a minus amount mean SARS owes me? Yes. SARS says a negative amount on the ITA34 indicates that a refund is due to you. Is the ITA34 enough, or do I also need the Statement of Account? The ITA34 shows the result for a tax year. The ITSA shows the overall account balance, the refund amount if SARS owes you, and the Electronic refund payment date. How fast will SARS pay? SARS aims to pay nine out of ten refunds due within 72 hours if the refund is more than R100, your bank details are correct, you have no outstanding returns, and you are not being audited. Refunds under R100 stay on your account until the balance exceeds R100. Can I check without eFiling? Yes. SARS lists WhatsApp 0800 11 7277, USSD *134*7277#, SMS 47277, and the SARS MobiApp. Checked against official SARS pages on 29 August 2026. Follow the instruction on your own SARS screen if it differs. This is general guidance, not personal tax advice. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tax and Revenue How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return Use the official SARS checker and 2026 rules to see if you must file an ITR12. . Tax and Revenue How to Check if SARS Owes You a Refund Use your ITA34 and Statement of Account to see if SARS owes you, or if you owe SARS. . 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Spot 10 rare bird species found only in DR Congo, with travel tips, local insights, and verified 2025 social media sightings. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a birder’s paradise, boasting around 1,185 recorded bird species more than any other African country . Among these are about **21 species found nowhere else on Earth. From a shy rainforest peafowl to an owl so elusive it’s practically a legend, here are 10 endemic birds you’ll only find in the wilds of DR Congo. Pack your binoculars and your sense of adventure! 1. Congo Peafowl: DRC’s Shy National Bird Meet the Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congensis) , known locally as “ mbulu ” . Unlike its flamboyant Asian cousins, this peacock is a bit more modest the males flash bronze-green and deep blue plumage, but you won’t catch them fanning giant tails. They skulk in the undergrowth of central Congolese rainforests , monogamous homebodies rarely seen in large groups. Discovered in the 1930s (allegedly from a single feather in a hunter’s cap), the Congo Peafowl has become a national symbol of DRC. It even holds the title of DRC’s national bird , though spotting one in the dense jungle is a serious challenge. Birders consider it a holy grail; even camera traps get only rare cameos. If you’re determined to glimpse a Congo Peafowl in the wild, head to Salonga National Park or the remote Lomako-Yokokora Forest in the Congo Basin the latter holds the highest recorded concentration of these peafowl . Realistically, sightings are so scarce that many nature enthusiasts settle for learning about them through conservation programs. Entry into Salonga or Lomako requires expedition-style prep ; park guides cost around $20/day (~44,000 CDF) and you’ll need special permits and a boat to access Lomako’s flooded forests. But for the bragging rights of seeing the only African peacock , it’s worth the trek . 2. Itombwe Owl The Legendary “Ghost” Owl of Congo The Itombwe Owl ( Tyto prigoginei ), also called the Congo Bay-Owl, is so elusive it borders on mythical. Endemic to the Itombwe Mountains of eastern DRC, this diminutive chestnut-colored owl went unseen by scientists for decades in fact, the last confirmed sighting was in 1996 . Continue Reading Full Article TRAVEL GUIDE 10 Endemic Birds You Can Only Spot in DR Congo By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Nov 17, 2025 May 15, 2026 21 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a birder’s paradise, boasting around 1,185 recorded bird species more than any other African country . Among these are about **21 species found nowhere else on Earth. From a shy rainforest peafowl to an owl so elusive it’s practically a legend, here are 10 endemic birds you’ll only find in the wilds of DR Congo. Pack your binoculars and your sense of adventure! 1. Congo Peafowl: DRC’s Shy National Bird Meet the Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congensis) , known locally as “ mbulu ” . Unlike its flamboyant Asian cousins, this peacock is a bit more modest the males flash bronze-green and deep blue plumage, but you won’t catch them fanning giant tails. They skulk in the undergrowth of central Congolese rainforests , monogamous homebodies rarely seen in large groups. Discovered in the 1930s (allegedly from a single feather in a hunter’s cap), the Congo Peafowl has become a national symbol of DRC. It even holds the title of DRC’s national bird , though spotting one in the dense jungle is a serious challenge. Birders consider it a holy grail; even camera traps get only rare cameos. If you’re determined to glimpse a Congo Peafowl in the wild, head to Salonga National Park or the remote Lomako-Yokokora Forest in the Congo Basin the latter holds the highest recorded concentration of these peafowl . Realistically, sightings are so scarce that many nature enthusiasts settle for learning about them through conservation programs. Entry into Salonga or Lomako requires expedition-style prep ; park guides cost around $20/day (~44,000 CDF) and you’ll need special permits and a boat to access Lomako’s flooded forests. But for the bragging rights of seeing the only African peacock , it’s worth the trek . 2. Itombwe Owl The Legendary “Ghost” Owl of Congo The elusive Itombwe Owl peers quietly through the foliage rarely seen, often heard in Congo’s montane forests. The Itombwe Owl ( Tyto prigoginei ), also called the Congo Bay-Owl, is so elusive it borders on mythical. Endemic to the Itombwe Mountains of eastern DRC, this diminutive chestnut-colored owl went unseen by scientists for decades in fact, the last confirmed sighting was in 1996 . With only two individuals ever documented (one in 1951 and one netted and released in 1996), the Itombwe Owl has earned a reputation as a “ghost”. Birders around the world speak its name in hushed, reverent tones; finding it would be like discovering Bigfoot with feathers. It haunts the montane bamboo forests and high-altitude grasslands of Itombwe Nature Reserve, where its mournful whistle calls might be heard on moonless nights if you’re very, very lucky . Visiting Itombwe is an adventure in itself. This newly protected reserve is off the beaten track – think no roads, no lodges, just dense forests and local villages. You’ll need to arrange a custom trek with local guides (budget at least $80 per day (~176,000 CDF) for guides/porters). The payoff? A chance to stand in the owl’s habitat under starry alpine skies. While the Itombwe Owl itself will likely remain unseen, you can take comfort in knowing you’re walking the same ridges as one of the world’s rarest birds. The global birding community certainly hasn’t given up hope in 2025, enthusiasts ran fundraisers to finance new expeditions to find this owl (yes, they’re that obsessed) see it on Instagram . Even if you don’t spot the “ghost owl,” you’ll experience one of Africa’s most biodiverse mountains and maybe hear an otherworldly hoot in the dark. 3. Schouteden’s Swift: A High-Speed Mystery in the Itombwe Skies A swift dart in the sky Schouteden’s Swift races through the Itombwe skies with unmatched agility. High above the misty forests of Itombwe, Schouteden’s Swift ( Schoutedenapus schoutedeni ) slices through the air at breakneck speeds. This soot-brown swift is found only in DR Congo , zipping over the Albertine Rift highlands . It’s named after a Belgian zoologist, but local birders mostly know it as “that darn mystery swift” . Why? Because it’s devilishly hard to spot or identify these birds spend their lives on the wing, often disappearing into clouds. For years, some feared Schouteden’s Swift might be as “lost” as the Itombwe owl. ADVERTISEMENT But good news: Itombwe’s recent conservation surveys have recorded them again . In fact, during a 2023 expedition in Itombwe (the same one that famously snapped the first-ever photo of the helmetshrike), researchers noted swifts screeching overhead at dusk . It seems the swift wasn’t about to pose for a portrait typical but at least we know it’s still on the wing. To look for Schouteden’s Swift, you’ll need to camp out in Itombwe or nearby montane forests. By day, enjoy the chorus of colorful Albertine Rift birds; by evening, keep your eyes glued to the pink sky as swifts emerge to feed on insects. You might distinguish Schouteden’s from more common swifts by its slightly larger size and distinctive call (a sharp tseeu-tseeu ). There’s no tour that guarantees this sighting this is pure DIY adventure . Consider coordinating with conservation teams working in Itombwe; they sometimes allow keen birders to tag along. While you’re unlikely to get an Instagram-worthy photo (these guys are fast ), just seeing one dart past is a thrill. Conservationists celebrated the swift’s continued presence in Itombwe a sign that protecting the reserve is paying off . 4. Prigogine’s Greenbul: The Lendu Plateau Songster Resting in the Lendu Plateau canopy, Prigogine’s Greenbul adds its soft song to the Congolese dawn. Drab, elusive, but utterly unique Prigogine’s Greenbul ( Chlorocichla prigoginei ) is a little olive-green bird found only on the Lendu Plateau in northeastern DRC . It’s named after Alexandre Prigogine, a prolific ornithologist who first documented many Congo endemics. This greenbul’s claim to fame isn’t its looks (it’s often described as “unremarkable” rude!). Instead, it’s the location : the Lendu Plateau west of Lake Albert, a remote highland area carpeted in montane forest and bamboo. Here, at around 2,000 meters elevation, Prigogine’s Greenbuls flit about in the understory, giving harsh chack-chack calls. They often join mixed flocks with other songbirds, so picking one out is tricky. Think of it as an Easter egg hunt where the eggs are constantly moving and camouflaged. Birders who venture to Lendu Plateau are usually on a mission to find this bird (and its neighbor, the Bedford’s Flycatcher). There’s no national park infrastructure you’ll be hiring local guides in Ituri province and hiking into community forests. A guide/translator might run about $50-60 a day (~110,000–132,000 CDF) , and it’s polite to bring gifts or pay village fees for access. The experience is rustic: homestays or tents, evening conversations by the fire (likely about that day’s bird tally), and dawn patrols to catch the greenbul’s dawn chorus. Don’t expect this wallflower of a bird to be splashed across your social media sightings are few and far between, and frankly, Prigogine’s Greenbul has zero interest in fame . (When a group of international birders finally heard its call one misty morning, they practically did a happy dance though you won’t find that on Instagram!) Your best bet is to listen for its distinctive call and be ready with binoculars when something darts between the vines. It’s a true birder’s bird: subtle and satisfying for those in the know . 5. Bedford’s Paradise Flycatcher: A Jewel of the Ituri Forest A burst of cinnamon and blue Bedford’s Paradise Flycatcher balances beauty and stealth in the Ituri Forest. With a flash of steel-blue and a streamer-like tail , Bedford’s Paradise Flycatcher ( Terpsiphone bedfordi ) brings a dash of glam to Congo’s forests. This striking flycatcher sports a glossy blue-black head and elegant long tail feathers trailing behind imagine a miniature bird-of-paradise doing cosplay as a monarch flycatcher. Bedford’s is endemic to eastern DRC , mainly in the Ituri region and the west side of the Albertine Rift . In fact, it flits through the same Lendu Plateau forests as Prigogine’s Greenbul and also inhabits dense lowland forests west of the Itombwe and Kahuzi ranges . Despite its royal appearance (it’s literally named after the Duke of Bedford), this bird can be surprisingly furtive preferring shady understories where it hawks insects in mid-air acrobatic twists. Catching a glimpse of its 18 cm form (tail included) feels like spotting a flying ribbon in the gloom. To see Bedford’s Paradise Flycatcher, plan a birding foray in Ituri (around Epulu or the Okapi Reserve’s fringes) or in transitional montane forests of South Kivu. ADVERTISEMENT The Lendu Plateau is a known hotspot local guides there are proud to point out the “oiseau avec longue queue” when they spot one. Patience is key: listen for its sharp tsip-tsip call and watch for that tail flicker among the vines. A good local guide (~ $50/day, ~110,000 CDF as mentioned) will often know a favored territory of a breeding pair. Early morning or late afternoon light filtering through the canopy gives you the best chance to see its glossy plumage catch the sun. This species isn’t globally famous (no Twitter trending topics here), but conservation social media has given it some love. One nature post even introduced Bedford’s alongside the Congo Peafowl as a “winged wonder” of DRC clearly, it has fans in the bird world see it on Instagram . When you finally spot that ribbon-like tail darting after a moth, you’ll understand why Bedford’s Flycatcher is a must-see endemic it’s like finding a secret jewel in DRC’s crown. 6. Rockefeller’s Sunbird: Rainbow of the Rwenzori A living jewel of the Rwenzori: Rockefeller’s Sunbird glows with iridescent hues in the alpine mist. Tiny, dazzling, and exclusive to DRC’s hills Rockefeller’s Sunbird ( Cinnyris rockefelleri ) is the * iridescent gem of the Congo . The males of this species are a sight to behold: an array of shimmering emerald, gold, and scarlet feathers, with a long curved bill perfect for sipping nectar. Basically, imagine a hummingbird that raided a jewelry box. Rockefeller’s Sunbird flits around the Albertine Rift montane forests especially in eastern Congo’s highlands like the Itombwe Massif and Kabobo Mountains . It’s named after American philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., who funded an expedition that discovered it. (Yes, even billionaires couldn’t resist Congo’s bird bounty.) Spotting this sunbird is no easy feat. You’ll need to trek into mountain forest clearings above 1,500m where flowering shrubs attract these nectar-feeders. They’ve been recorded in the Itombwe Mountains (yet another reason to go there) and sometimes on the fringes of Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega parks. Your best strategy is to find a tree in bloom and patiently stake it out males will often return to favorite flowers, showing off their glossy colors in the sunlight. Given ongoing conflict and limited tourism infrastructure, birders often coordinate with research teams or visit adjacent countries’ parks. (Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains touch the sunbird’s range, but sightings on that side are extremely rare this is a DRC special ). The bird is near-threatened its bamboo and forest habitat is being cleared for agriculture , which worries conservationists. In fact, a 2024 report noted locals were burning bamboo stands that house Rockefeller’s Sunbird a reminder that not all treasure glitters forever. For now, if you manage to find this rainbow-colored sprite, consider yourself among a lucky few. It’s such a coveted sighting that hardcore birders might buy you a round at camp just to hear the tale. And while you probably won’t find many Instagram selfies with Rockefeller’s Sunbird (it’s way too fast for that), capturing a blurry photo of one is basically a Congolese birding merit badge. Keep your camera ready and your hopes high this living jewel is out there, dancing among the misty mountain flowers. 7. Lake Lufira Weaver: Masked Weaver of the Swamps Perched near Lufira’s wetlands, this bright weaver’s masked gaze keeps a careful watch on its reed-woven home. Down in the southeastern savannas of DRC, in swamps and wetlands fringed by papyrus, lives the Lake Lufira Weaver ( Ploceus ruweti ). This little bird might not have a glamorous name, but it sports a chic look think bright yellow plumage with a black “bandit” mask on its face . Endemic to the Lufira Basin (mainly around Lake Lufira and marshes of Upemba National Park ), it’s also called the Lufira Masked Weaver for obvious reasons. These weavers build intricate nests woven from grasses, often hanging over water to thwart predators. In breeding season, the males gather in colonies and turn into tiny construction workers, each feverishly weaving and fluttering to impress the ladies. The air fills with their buzzy, wheezing song ending in a rapid “tat-tat” sound not exactly melodic, but certainly enthusiastic! For birders, a trip to find the Lake Lufira Weaver means venturing into one of DRC’s most off-the-grid parks. Upemba National Park , established in 1939, is a vast wilderness of lakes, rivers, and wetlands stunning but historically neglected. The good news: efforts are underway to revitalize Upemba, and wildlife is bouncing back. To get there, you likely start from Lubumbashi and endure a day’s drive on rough roads. Park entrance fees are modest (around $15, ~33,000 CDF) , and you can camp or stay at a basic research station. Hire a park ranger or local scout who knows the wetlands (≈ $20/day) to guide you to weaver colonies. Early morning or late afternoon is best, when the birds are actively bobbing among the reeds. You might approach by canoe poling quietly through mirror-calm channels as fish eagles soar overhead. Suddenly, a splash of yellow erupts from the reeds: got ‘em! Watching these masked Romeos busily weave nests is pure joy for any nature lover. 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 Culture & Tourism People's Palace Kinshasa: History, Architecture and Parliament . Visit DR Congo Maï-Ndombe River: Discover a Hidden Natural Treasure Near Kinshasa . Entertainment Papa Wemba: The Enduring Voice of Congo and His Lasting Legacy . Visit DR Congo Lake Ma Vallée: Kinshasa's Historic Nature Escape . Visit DR Congo Zongo Falls: A Complete Travel Guide to Kongo Central’s Natural Escape . ADVERTISEMENT Upemba’s conservation team is proud of their feathered residents and occasionally shares updates on the park’s recovery see it on Instagram for a peek into this corner of Congo’s wild. Between the rustic adventure, the backdrop of hippos snorting in nearby lakes, and the thrill of finding a true DRC endemic , visiting the Lake Lufira Weaver’s realm is a highlight for intrepid birders. 8. Grauer’s Cuckooshrike: The Phantom of the Forest Canopy Not all endemic birds in DRC are showy – Grauer’s Cuckooshrike ( Ceblepyris graueri ) is a case in point. This slate-gray, medium-sized songbird is a master of blending in. Named after zoologist Rudolf Grauer, it dwells in the montane forests of eastern DRC , particularly west of Lake Edward in the lush forests bordering the Rwenzori Mountains . (Some reports suggest it might creep over the border into Uganda, but by and large it’s a Congolese homebody .) Grauer’s Cuckooshrike sticks to the canopy, often in small family groups quietly foraging for insects and berries. It’s the kind of bird that even veteran birdwatchers might miss unless they’re specifically looking for it. No bright colors, no loud calls just a soft presence in the treetops. Think of it as the introverted cousin at the avian party. Tracking down this “phantom” requires heading into the high-elevation forests of places like Virunga National Park (northern sector) or the forests of Ituri and North Kivu . One noted locality is the forests west of Lake Edward essentially the Congolese side of the Rwenzori foothills. Due to security concerns, independent travel here is tricky; it’s best done as part of a research team or with heavy logistics. If you manage to arrange it, you’ll be hiking steep trails under towering trees draped in lichens. Keep your eyes up and binoculars ready a movement in the canopy could be a monkey, a turaco, or with luck, a pair of Grauer’s Cuckooshrikes silently flitting from branch to branch. Birding guides will tell you to listen for a very faint, scratchy song, but frankly in the buzz of a rainforest, it’s tough to discern. 9. Kabobo Apalis: Mountain Microbird Tiny yet tenacious, the Kabobo Apalis flits between mountain thickets in Congo’s misty Kabobo Massif. High on the isolated Kabobo Plateau by Lake Tanganyika lives a tiny warbler that few have ever seen: the Kabobo Apalis . Endemic to DRC’s Mount Kabobo area, this little grey-and-white bird was only discovered in the 1950s and remains something of a mystery. At 11 cm small , the apalis flits about in montane thickets, quietly gleaning insects from leaves. It’s not flashy think a modest grey back, pale belly, and maybe a dash of rufous on the face. But what it lacks in looks it makes up in exclusivity: no other country can claim it . Even within DRC, it’s confined to the Misotshi-Kabogo highlands (recently designated a reserve). This region was completely off-limits for decades due to civil unrest, meaning Kabobo Apalis lived its life with zero human fanfare just the way it likes it. Birders who’ve gone after it joke that it’s the “ghost of Kabobo” , always heard as a whispery trill but seldom seen clearly. Fun fact: the local Mbote people didn’t have a name for it until researchers explained their mission; then they coined one meaning “the little leaf-dweller” . 10. Chapin’s Babbler: Mountain Chorus Line Chapin’s Babbler breaks morning silence with its signature chatter echoing across highland groves. Named after James Chapin (the famed American ornithologist who also discovered the Congo Peafowl), Chapin’s Mountain Babbler is an Albertine Rift endemic that sings from the treetops of DRC and nowhere else. These babblers (also known simply as Chapin’s Babbler ) are about 18 cm long, with soft brownish-grey plumage and a bit of a scruffy crest. They aren’t brightly colored they prefer to keep a low profile as they scurry through montane forest canopies. What gives them away is their voice : Chapin’s Babblers live in social groups and belt out rollicking choruses of chatters and whistles, a true babbler cacophony. Imagine a barbershop quartet of birds, each member riffing off the other that’s a family of Chapin’s Babblers greeting a new day. They dwell in DRC’s northeastern highlands , particularly the high forests of Mount Hoyo and the Lendu Plateau near Lake Albert . Interestingly, they share these habitats with at least two other endemics on our list (Prigogine’s Greenbul and Bedford’s Flycatcher), almost as if Chapin planted a secret trove of birds up there for future explorers. Despite living near conflict zones historically, Chapin’s Babbler has persisted, and birders who reach its haunts often report the species as fairly confiding curious about visitors and not too shy. Perhaps all that singing boosts their confidence? ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Culture & Tourism People's Palace Kinshasa: History, Architecture and Parliament Discover how a China-backed project under Mobutu became the home of Congo's Parliament. . Visit DR Congo Maï-Ndombe River: Discover a Hidden Natural Treasure Near Kinshasa Explore the river's geography, dark waters, local communities and potential for responsible tourism . Entertainment Papa Wemba: The Enduring Voice of Congo and His Lasting Legacy From rumba and SAPE to La Dernière Symphonie, explore Papa Wemba's legacy ten years after his death. . Visit DR Congo Lake Ma Vallée: Kinshasa's Historic Nature Escape Discover the history, activities and environmental importance of this green retreat in Mont-Ngafula . Tags Visit Congo Visit Congo Travel Blog Travel Blog DR.Congo DR.Congo DR Congo's Tourism DR Congo's Tourism Travel & Tourism Travel & Tourism Travel Blog Travel Blog Travel Africa Travel Africa

Portable says he has supported more upcoming artists than Olamide, Don Jazzy, Wizkid and Davido, adding that many industry acts only do business. Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, has claimed he has offered more support to emerging artists than several leading figures in the country’s music industry, including Olamide, Don Jazzy, Wizkid and Davido. In a recent video, the artist stated that his assistance extends beyond the music community, adding that he also provides help to people from less privileged backgrounds. Portable said many celebrities distance themselves from ordinary fans and upcoming musicians, while he maintains close interaction with supporters both offline and on social media. According to him, he regularly reposts videos of fans who promote his songs. He alleged that some established artists make it difficult for newcomers to collaborate with them, even when financial compensation is involved. Portable insisted that his own approach is different, saying he assists people without placing conditions on them. He described genuine support as offering shelter, food, clothing and financial backing for studio sessions to individuals in need. Anything short of that, he argued, should be considered business rather than charity. Portable also criticised established artists who label upcoming acts as “ungrateful” when they choose independence, stating that many of those complaints stem from business arrangements rather than real acts of generosity. Continue Reading Full Article NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT Portable Claims He Has Helped More Artists Than Top Nigerian Stars By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Dec 4, 2025 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, has claimed he has offered more support to emerging artists than several leading figures in the country’s music industry, including Olamide, Don Jazzy, Wizkid and Davido. In a recent video, the artist stated that his assistance extends beyond the music community, adding that he also provides help to people from less privileged backgrounds. Portable said many celebrities distance themselves from ordinary fans and upcoming musicians, while he maintains close interaction with supporters both offline and on social media. According to him, he regularly reposts videos of fans who promote his songs. ADVERTISEMENT He alleged that some established artists make it difficult for newcomers to collaborate with them, even when financial compensation is involved. Portable insisted that his own approach is different, saying he assists people without placing conditions on them. He described genuine support as offering shelter, food, clothing and financial backing for studio sessions to individuals in need. Anything short of that, he argued, should be considered business rather than charity. ADVERTISEMENT Portable also criticised established artists who label upcoming acts as “ungrateful” when they choose independence, stating that many of those complaints stem from business arrangements rather than real acts of generosity. 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 KiDi Biography: Real Name, Albums, Son and Career . Pop Culture Trends Jessie J Says Cancer Risk Remains Despite Early Detection and Surgery . Celebrity Trends jay-z-solange-met-gala-elevator-incident-new-details . Afrobeats Lilian Mbabazi Misses Stage Appearance at Davido’s Kigali Concert . Justice & Crime Tekashi 6ix9ine Given Three-Month Prison Term for Probation Violations . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography KiDi Biography: Real Name, Albums, Son and Career Meet Ghana’s KiDi: his age, family, breakthrough, awards and 2026 album . Pop Culture Trends Jessie J Says Cancer Risk Remains Despite Early Detection and Surgery Singer reflects on diagnosis, surgery and emotional moment with her mother after cancer news . Celebrity Trends jay-z-solange-met-gala-elevator-incident-new-details Designer Oscar G. Lopez offers new insight into the 2014 elevator confrontation at the Met Gala . Afrobeats Lilian Mbabazi Misses Stage Appearance at Davido’s Kigali Concert Singer left waiting backstage after planned duet with Kitoko was cut during Davido’s BK Arena show . Tags Musics Musics

CAF to hold its General Assembly in Kinshasa this October, boosting DRC’s bid to host the 2029 Africa Cup of Nations. Congo rises in African football. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has taken a bold step closer to hosting the 2029 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that its next Ordinary General Assembly will be held on October 6, 2025, in Kinshasa, a symbolic opportunity for the DRC to assert its ambitions on the continental football stage. This announcement comes just two years after the DRCongo successfully hosted the Francophonie Games (July 28 – August 6, 2023), a feat that demonstrated the country’s capacity for organizing major sporting events. Restoring the Glory of Congolese Football Ranked 11th in Africa and 61st in the world according to FIFA’s December 19, 2024 rankings, the Leopards of the DRC are undergoing a massive revitalization project led by Minister of Sport and Recreation, Didier Budimbu Ntubuanga. The objective: Restore the prestige of Congolese sport Position the DRC as a football hub for the African continent Win the bid to host CAN 2029 President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi has issued clear instructions to the Ministry of Sports to secure the CAN 2029 hosting rights, following the nation’s impressive 4th place finish in the 2023 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire. The DRC has signed collaboration and development agreements with elite international clubs, including: Continue Reading Full Article SPORTS DRCongo Targets CAN 2029 as CAF Sets Assembly in Kinshasa By Guerson Nabushi Nyonkourou Political Analyst Guerson Nabushi Nyonkourou Home Comment Aug 5, 2025 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has taken a bold step closer to hosting the 2029 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that its next Ordinary General Assembly will be held on October 6, 2025, in Kinshasa, a symbolic opportunity for the DRC to assert its ambitions on the continental football stage. This announcement comes just two years after the DRCongo successfully hosted the Francophonie Games (July 28 – August 6, 2023), a feat that demonstrated the country’s capacity for organizing major sporting events. Restoring the Glory of Congolese Football Ranked 11th in Africa and 61st in the world according to FIFA’s December 19, 2024 rankings, the Leopards of the DRC are undergoing a massive revitalization project led by Minister of Sport and Recreation, Didier Budimbu Ntubuanga. ADVERTISEMENT The objective: Restore the prestige of Congolese sport Position the DRC as a football hub for the African continent Win the bid to host CAN 2029 President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi has issued clear instructions to the Ministry of Sports to secure the CAN 2029 hosting rights, following the nation’s impressive 4th place finish in the 2023 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire. The DRC has signed collaboration and development agreements with elite international clubs, including: ADVERTISEMENT AS Monaco FC Barcelona READ:FC Barcelona Partners with DR Congo to Empower Culture and Sport These partnerships are part of a broader strategic plan to rebuild sports infrastructure and raise the competitive level of local talent. CAF’s decision to finally hold the 2025 Ordinary General Assembly in Kinshasa is especially significant. The same event had been initially scheduled in Kinshasa years prior but was relocated to Morocco due to the Mpox epidemic. Now, with improved health and logistics readiness, Kinshasa will welcome Africa’s top football leaders, putting the DRCongo in the antechamber of CAN 2029. 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 Civil Society Miguel Masaisai Funeral Programme: Kinshasa Dates and Times . Gaming Trends The 3,500 years of history behind the dice in modern casino games . Sports Trends Congolese Star Merveille Kanjinga Sends PSG Into Europe . Biography Antoine Semenyo Biography: Age, Family and Career . Sports Congolese Midfielder Jules Ahoka Joins Sunderland in Premier League . ADVERTISEMENT With the momentum of recent successes and clear political will, the DRC is positioning itself as a serious candidate to host Africa’s most prestigious football tournament. The CAF General Assembly this October will likely serve as a testing ground for the country’s organizational capacity. Congo is ready to make history. The heart of African football beats here." ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Civil Society Miguel Masaisai Funeral Programme: Kinshasa Dates and Times The ministry’s schedule sets a 21 October vigil and 22 October national tribute and private burial. . Gaming Trends The 3,500 years of history behind the dice in modern casino games From animal knucklebones to digital RNGs, discover how dice evolved across thousands of years of gaming . Sports Trends Congolese Star Merveille Kanjinga Sends PSG Into Europe DRC star Merveille Kanjinga scores twice as PSG beat Eintracht Frankfurt 5–1 after extra time . Biography Antoine Semenyo Biography: Age, Family and Career Meet the Ghana forward whose academy setbacks led to Manchester City and a historic PFA XI . Tags Sport Sport DR.Congo DR.Congo CAF News CAF News

In a significant move to combat the escalating food crisis in Malawi, the World Bank has announced a $57.6 million grant aimed at facilitating immediate relief efforts. This funding comes at a critical time as the nation struggles with the compounded impacts of natural disasters and climatic adversities. Announced last Friday, the World Bank's grant is part of its "quick release" financing mechanism, designed to provide rapid support to nations in dire need. The aid to Malawi is targeted at enhancing the country's resilience against an intensifying food scarcity crisis. The ongoing food crisis in Malawi is largely driven by the adverse effects of El Niño, which has affected the entire southern Africa region. These conditions have led to poor harvests and a significant reduction in food availability, escalating the urgency for international aid. Malawi has been hit by a series of intense disaster events in recent years , leaving little room for recovery and rehabilitation. These events have severely eroded national food security, pushing the World Bank to intervene with timely financial support. The $57.6 million grant is expected to play a pivotal role in stabilizing food security at the national level by supporting immediate and effective responses to the crisis. The funding aims to enhance Malawi's agricultural output and provide essential resources to the affected populations. With the World Bank's support, Malawi hopes to mitigate the current food security crisis and lay the groundwork for sustainable recovery and resilience against future climatic shocks. This grant is a testament to the global community's commitment to aiding vulnerable nations facing environmental and humanitarian challenges. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Apr 27, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: In a significant move to combat the escalating food crisis in Malawi, the World Bank has announced a $57.6 million grant aimed at facilitating immediate relief efforts. This funding comes at a critical time as the nation struggles with the compounded impacts of natural disasters and climatic adversities. Announced last Friday, the World Bank's grant is part of its "quick release" financing mechanism, designed to provide rapid support to nations in dire need. The aid to Malawi is targeted at enhancing the country's resilience against an intensifying food scarcity crisis. ADVERTISEMENT The ongoing food crisis in Malawi is largely driven by the adverse effects of El Niño, which has affected the entire southern Africa region. These conditions have led to poor harvests and a significant reduction in food availability, escalating the urgency for international aid. Malawi has been hit by a series of intense disaster events in recent years , leaving little room for recovery and rehabilitation. These events have severely eroded national food security, pushing the World Bank to intervene with timely financial support. ADVERTISEMENT The $57.6 million grant is expected to play a pivotal role in stabilizing food security at the national level by supporting immediate and effective responses to the crisis. The funding aims to enhance Malawi's agricultural output and provide essential resources to the affected populations. With the World Bank's support, Malawi hopes to mitigate the current food security crisis and lay the groundwork for sustainable recovery and resilience against future climatic shocks. This grant is a testament to the global community's commitment to aiding vulnerable nations facing environmental and humanitarian challenges. 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

WHO says the Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda is spreading faster than response efforts amid insecurity and vaccine gaps. The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said the Ebola outbreak spreading across the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is moving faster than current response efforts, warning that health teams are now “playing catch-up” as suspected deaths continue to rise. According to a Reuters report , WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak had reached 220 suspected deaths. Speaking during an online African Union meeting on Monday, Tedros said delayed detection of Ebola cases had complicated containment efforts and increased the likelihood that the situation could worsen before improving. WHO has already classified the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to the rapid spread of the rare Bundibugyo strain and the absence of an approved vaccine for it. Tedros also announced that he would travel to Congo alongside WHO emergencies chief Chikwe Ihekweazu to support frontline response operations. The outbreak has heavily affected the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, where ongoing insecurity continues to disrupt healthcare access and surveillance efforts. WHO’s latest emergency briefing also warned that neighboring countries remain at high risk of cross-border transmission. Read WHO statement Uganda on Monday confirmed two additional Ebola infections, raising its total confirmed cases to seven as authorities increase monitoring near shared border regions with Congo. Health workers in eastern Congo are also facing mounting operational challenges after attacks on treatment facilities and the escape of infected patients disrupted response measures in Ituri province. Public health experts say unsafe burials, community distrust and insecurity remain among the biggest obstacles to containing the outbreak, echoing challenges seen during previous Ebola crises in eastern Congo. Continue Reading Full Article PUBLIC HEALTH ALERTS WHO Chief to Visit Congo as Ebola outbreak outpaces Response By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment May 26, 2026 May 26, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said the Ebola outbreak spreading across the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is moving faster than current response efforts, warning that health teams are now “playing catch-up” as suspected deaths continue to rise. According to a Reuters report , WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak had reached 220 suspected deaths. Speaking during an online African Union meeting on Monday, Tedros said delayed detection of Ebola cases had complicated containment efforts and increased the likelihood that the situation could worsen before improving. ADVERTISEMENT WHO has already classified the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to the rapid spread of the rare Bundibugyo strain and the absence of an approved vaccine for it. Tedros also announced that he would travel to Congo alongside WHO emergencies chief Chikwe Ihekweazu to support frontline response operations. The outbreak has heavily affected the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, where ongoing insecurity continues to disrupt healthcare access and surveillance efforts. ADVERTISEMENT WHO’s latest emergency briefing also warned that neighboring countries remain at high risk of cross-border transmission. Read WHO statement Uganda on Monday confirmed two additional Ebola infections, raising its total confirmed cases to seven as authorities increase monitoring near shared border regions with Congo. Health workers in eastern Congo are also facing mounting operational challenges after attacks on treatment facilities and the escape of infected patients disrupted response measures in Ituri province. 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 Public health experts say unsafe burials, community distrust and insecurity remain among the biggest obstacles to containing the outbreak, echoing challenges seen during previous Ebola crises in eastern Congo. 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

Apply for a HELB loan online at hef.co.ke. First-time UG/TVET deadline 30 Sept 2026, documents, *642# renewals, contacts. To apply for a HELB loan online as a first-time undergraduate or TVET student for 2026/2027, use the Higher Education Financing portal at www.hef.co.ke (sign-in at portal.hef.co.ke ). The application is paperless and free. HELB lists the first-time Undergraduate/TVET loan, scholarship and bursary deadline as 30 September 2026. Confirm the date on helb.co.ke before you submit. Already have a HELB account and need status after applying? See HELB Student Portal Login: How to Check Loan Status . Official portals HEF / HELB funding home — start here for first-time applications HEF student portal login — register or sign in HELB website — deadlines, products and contacts Do not pay anyone who claims they can “fast-track” your HELB application for a fee. What you need Gather these before you start (as listed in HELB first-time application guidance): Continue Reading Full Article EDUCATION How to Apply for a HELB Loan Online By The Editorial Staff Public Services The Editorial Staff Home Comment Aug 28, 2026 Sep 4, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: To apply for a HELB loan online as a first-time undergraduate or TVET student for 2026/2027, use the Higher Education Financing portal at www.hef.co.ke (sign-in at portal.hef.co.ke ). The application is paperless and free. HELB lists the first-time Undergraduate/TVET loan, scholarship and bursary deadline as 30 September 2026. Confirm the date on helb.co.ke before you submit. Already have a HELB account and need status after applying? See HELB Student Portal Login: How to Check Loan Status . Official portals HEF / HELB funding home — start here for first-time applications HEF student portal login — register or sign in HELB website — deadlines, products and contacts Do not pay anyone who claims they can “fast-track” your HELB application for a fee. What you need Gather these before you start (as listed in HELB first-time application guidance): ADVERTISEMENT A valid email address and phone number registered in your name KCPE and KCSE index numbers A clear passport-size photo National ID or Maisha Card (PDF of both sides) Official admission letter from your university or TVET institution Bank account or M-Pesa details in your name Parents’ or guardians’ national IDs and phone numbers Death certificate if a parent is deceased Birth certificate if you are a minor Two guarantors with valid contacts Secondary school sponsorship letter, if applicable HELB states that an official admission letter is required before you apply for funding. How to apply online (first-time) Open https://www.hef.co.ke/ and go to the student portal ( portal.hef.co.ke ). Click Register and create an account with a valid email and password. Activate the account from the email HELB sends (check Inbox and Spam). Log in, then verify your phone number with the SMS code. Complete biodata, student details and consent forms carefully. Submit your loan and/or scholarship or bursary request for 2026/2027. Accept the loan terms after reading them. Add guarantors and your preferred payment details (bank or M-Pesa in your name). Submit the application and save the SMS or on-screen serial number. HELB also publishes a downloadable first-time application guide on the HEF site. Use that guide if a screen label differs from this checklist. Current deadlines (confirm on HELB) From HELB’s Upcoming Deadlines on helb.co.ke (as shown for FY 2026/2027): Undergraduate/TVET loan, scholarship and bursary (first-time application): 30 September 2026 Jielimishe Loan (salaried students): 7 September 2026 Partial postgraduate scholarships: 7 September 2026 KMTC diploma/certificate first-time loan application: 30 June 2027 Subsequent Undergraduate/TVET loan applications for FY 2026/2027 are listed separately on the HELB home page. Always re-check helb.co.ke in case HELB updates a window. ADVERTISEMENT Subsequent (continuing) loans If you already received HELB funding in a previous academic year, renew through one of these official channels: Dial *642# on a phone registered in your name HELB Mobile App (Google Play) M-Pesa HELB Mini App HELB notes that a mobile number not registered in the student’s name cannot complete these subsequent flows. Interest and fees (undergraduate loan product) On HELB’s undergraduate loans page, the loan attracts interest of 4% a year plus a KSh 1,000 ledger fee per year. Other products (for example Jielimishe) use different rates — read the product page that matches your application. After you apply Keep your serial number and login details safe. Watch email and SMS for award or disbursement notices. Check status later on the portal — see HELB Student Portal Login . Common problems Cannot register: use an email you can open, and wait for the activation link. SMS code not arriving: confirm the phone is in your name; request a resend. Missing admission letter: obtain the official letter from your institution or KUCCPS placement process before applying. Wrong placement details: confirm your KUCCPS placement first. Portal slow: try again later on a stable connection; do not create duplicate accounts. 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 NDMC Bursary 2027 Opens for South African Students — Apply by Sept. 30 . Education KUCCPS Placement 2026: How to Check Your Results . Education HELB Student Portal Login: How to Check Loan Status . Education How to Apply for a HELB Loan Online . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply . ADVERTISEMENT Contacts and scam warning HELB contact centre: 0711 052 000 / 0711052000. Email: contactcentre@helb.co.ke (also shown as ContactCentre@helb.co.ke on HELB materials). Anniversary Towers, 19th Floor, P.O. Box 69489-00400, Nairobi. There is no official HELB application fee for this online process. Ignore agents who ask for payment to “approve” or “release” funding. Use only helb.co.ke and hef.co.ke. Related guides HELB Student Portal Login: How to Check Loan Status KUCCPS Placement 2026: How to Check Your Results Sources HELB home — open applications and upcoming deadlines HEF portal HELB undergraduate loans product page HELB TVET loans — first-time and subsequent steps ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Scholarships NDMC Bursary 2027 Opens for South African Students — Apply by Sept. 30 NDMC Bursary 2027 applications are open until September 30. See eligibility, funding, documents . Education KUCCPS Placement 2026: How to Check Your Results Log in at students.kuccps.net with your KCSE details to see your placement. . Education HELB Student Portal Login: How to Check Loan Status Log in at portal.hef.co.ke, reset your password, and check allocation and disbursement. . Education How to Apply for a HELB Loan Online First-time 2026/2027 HELB funding via hef.co.ke: documents, steps, 30 Sept deadline. . Tags Scholarships & Bursaries Scholarships & Bursaries Kenya Gov Services Kenya Gov Services

Génération Z RDC plans Jan. 2 protest urging RDF/M23 withdrawal and accountability for war crimes. Goma, DRC — December 27, 2025 In a strong show of civic engagement, Génération Z RDC, a coalition of youth, civil society, and grassroots movements in Goma, has officially notified local authorities of a peaceful demonstration scheduled for Friday, January 2, 2025, to denounce Rwanda’s military aggression and occupation in eastern Congo. In a letter addressed to the Mayor of Goma, the organizers, representing diverse segments of Goma’s population, cited their constitutional right under Articles 22, 23, 25, and 26 of the DRC’s 2006 Constitution to mobilize in defense of national sovereignty. “This civic duty obliges us to organize a peaceful march throughout the city of Goma,” the letter states. Objectives of the March The protest aims to: Denounce the violation of Congolese territorial integrity by the Rwandan army. Demand the immediate and effective withdrawal of RDF/M23 troops from Congolese territory, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2773. Expose war crimes committed by RDF and M23, including massacres, torture, sexual violence, child abduction, and forced conscription of Congolese youth. Demand international justice, ensuring that perpetrators of crimes against humanity are prosecuted before international courts, including the ICC. Continue Reading Full Article PROTESTS AND MOVEMENTS Goma Youth Group Calls Peaceful March Against Rwanda’s Occupation By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Dec 31, 2025 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Goma, DRC — December 27, 2025 In a strong show of civic engagement, Génération Z RDC, a coalition of youth, civil society, and grassroots movements in Goma, has officially notified local authorities of a peaceful demonstration scheduled for Friday, January 2, 2025, to denounce Rwanda’s military aggression and occupation in eastern Congo. In a letter addressed to the Mayor of Goma, the organizers, representing diverse segments of Goma’s population, cited their constitutional right under Articles 22, 23, 25, and 26 of the DRC’s 2006 Constitution to mobilize in defense of national sovereignty. “This civic duty obliges us to organize a peaceful march throughout the city of Goma,” the letter states. ADVERTISEMENT Objectives of the March The protest aims to: Denounce the violation of Congolese territorial integrity by the Rwandan army. Demand the immediate and effective withdrawal of RDF/M23 troops from Congolese territory, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2773. Expose war crimes committed by RDF and M23, including massacres, torture, sexual violence, child abduction, and forced conscription of Congolese youth. Demand international justice, ensuring that perpetrators of crimes against humanity are prosecuted before international courts, including the ICC. Planned March Routes The peaceful march will start at multiple gathering points across the city and converge at the MONUSCO base near the Serena Hotel for the delivery of a memorandum: ADVERTISEMENT Route 1: From Kihisi roundabout → Birere → Signer → BDEGL → MONUSCO/Serena Hotel Route 2: From Mutinga roundabout → Instigo → Signer → BDEGL → MONUSCO/Serena Hotel Route 3: From SIMBA station → President Entrance → Instigo → BDEGL → MONUSCO/Serena Hotel Time: Gathering will begin at 8:00 AM. The letter has been copied to representatives of MONUSCO, the UN Joint Human Rights Office, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International. 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 Organizers Reaffirm Peaceful Intentions In closing, the youth leaders emphasized their respect for democratic principles and international humanitarian law. They called on the city authorities to facilitate the march and ensure the safety of participants. “Respectful of democratic rules and international humanitarian law, we count on your support to secure the protest,” the letter concludes, signed by Jackson Harerimana, Mupemba Wivine, and Morisho Asani of the Generation Z Goma Committee. 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

Tems says she has surpassed her career expectations, reflecting on her rise from a 9-5 job to global award-winning success. Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, says she has achieved far more in her music career than she initially imagined. The Grammy-winning artist shared the reflection during an interactive session with fans on X. Responding to a fan who asked what she is currently looking forward to and whether she has fulfilled her pre-stardom goals, Tems said her accomplishments have exceeded her expectations. “I’m looking forward to whatever the Lord has in store, and honestly I’ve achieved beyond my dreams from when I had a 9-5,” she wrote. Tems began her music career after resigning from her job as a digital marketer in January 2018. She gained early recognition with the release of her debut single, Mr Rebel , later that year. Her breakthrough came in 2020 after featuring on Wizkid’s global hit Essence , which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 following the release of a remix featuring Justin Bieber. In 2023, Tems made history as the first female Afrobeats artist to win a Grammy after collaborating with Future and Drake on Wait For U , which won Best Melodic Rap Performance. She added to her achievements in 2025 by winning the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, becoming the only Nigerian artist with multiple Grammy wins. Continue Reading Full Article NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT Tems Says She Has Surpassed Her Early Career Dreams By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Dec 1, 2025 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, says she has achieved far more in her music career than she initially imagined. The Grammy-winning artist shared the reflection during an interactive session with fans on X. Responding to a fan who asked what she is currently looking forward to and whether she has fulfilled her pre-stardom goals, Tems said her accomplishments have exceeded her expectations. “I’m looking forward to whatever the Lord has in store, and honestly I’ve achieved beyond my dreams from when I had a 9-5,” she wrote. ADVERTISEMENT Tems began her music career after resigning from her job as a digital marketer in January 2018. She gained early recognition with the release of her debut single, Mr Rebel , later that year. Her breakthrough came in 2020 after featuring on Wizkid’s global hit Essence , which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 following the release of a remix featuring Justin Bieber. In 2023, Tems made history as the first female Afrobeats artist to win a Grammy after collaborating with Future and Drake on Wait For U , which won Best Melodic Rap Performance. ADVERTISEMENT She added to her achievements in 2025 by winning the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, becoming the only Nigerian artist with multiple Grammy wins. 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 Omah Lay Injury Reports: What the Accounts Establish . Biography Marie-Célestin Karondwa Biography: UDPS Role, Death and Legacy . Biography Keivo Biography: Victor Ikpe, Age, Career and BBNaija Exit . Entertainment Black Market Sets Film-Screening Record in Lagos . Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Entertainment Omah Lay Injury Reports: What the Accounts Establish Reports describe a rehearsal incident, but medical details and performance changes need confirmation . Biography Marie-Célestin Karondwa Biography: UDPS Role, Death and Legacy Who was the Butembo UDPS official killed after a radio appearance during the Ebola outbreak? . Biography Keivo Biography: Victor Ikpe, Age, Career and BBNaija Exit Meet Victor Ikpe, the web developer whose BBNaija Season 11 run ended in disqualification. . Entertainment Black Market Sets Film-Screening Record in Lagos Organisers say 51,000 people completed the Nollywood film screening at Tafawa Balewa Square. . Tags Nigerian Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Musics Musics Nigeria Nigeria

Reports of Robert Kabera’s death in Uganda put earlier threats, killings of Rwandan exiles and unlawful returns under scrutiny. Here is what is established. Reports published on 17 October that former Rwandan soldier and musician Robert Kabera had been killed in Uganda have brought his earlier protection concerns into sharp focus. Known as Sergeant Robert, Kabera had sought refuge outside Rwanda years before the latest reports. Close individuals account said reports of the killing emerged on Saturday, but acknowledged that Ugandan authorities had not publicly confirmed the death or its circumstances. The distinction is essential: the existence of reports is established; responsibility for a killing is not. What is known about Robert Kabera’s reported death? Reports said the former Rwandan soldier and musician had been killed in Uganda. Authoritative confirmation remains outstanding. His case draws attention to documented threats against exiles and earlier killings, disappearances and forced returns involving Rwandan critics abroad. Robert Kabera’s safety concerns preceded the latest reports Kabera’s full military title was Sergeant Major. He is not Major Robert Higiro, another former Rwandan officer whose testimony about an assassination offer later reached the United States Congress. Confusing the two would merge distinct lives and distinct evidence. Human Rights Watch’s 2023 investigation into Rwanda’s overseas repression documented Kabera’s asylum on political-persecution grounds, his arrest in Uganda in May 2022, and his accounts of assault and threats. It reported that his case was subsequently closed. The organization also cited a Ugandan police document attributing his wife’s disappearance to Rwandan agents. HRW expressly said it could not independently confirm the circumstances of that reported abduction. Those earlier concerns warrant examination; they do not identify whoever may be responsible for the latest reported incident. Contemporaneous reporting by ChimpReports placed Kabera in detention at the Special Investigations Unit in Kireka in May 2022. It recorded that he had left Rwanda claiming persecution. Rwanda had presented a different account of his departure. A 23 November 2020 military statement announced an investigation into a sexual offence involving a family member. That statement establishes that an accusation was made, not that Kabera was convicted. The accusation should neither be treated as proven nor dismissed as fabricated without supporting evidence. Continue Reading Full Article TERRORISM AND SECURITY Robert Kabera Reports Put Rwanda’s Exiled Critics Back Under Scrutiny By The Editorial Staff Public Services The Editorial Staff Home Comment Oct 18, 2026 Oct 18, 2026 12 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Reports published on 17 October that former Rwandan soldier and musician Robert Kabera had been killed in Uganda have brought his earlier protection concerns into sharp focus. Known as Sergeant Robert, Kabera had sought refuge outside Rwanda years before the latest reports. Close individuals account said reports of the killing emerged on Saturday, but acknowledged that Ugandan authorities had not publicly confirmed the death or its circumstances. The distinction is essential: the existence of reports is established; responsibility for a killing is not. What is known about Robert Kabera’s reported death? Reports said the former Rwandan soldier and musician had been killed in Uganda. Authoritative confirmation remains outstanding. His case draws attention to documented threats against exiles and earlier killings, disappearances and forced returns involving Rwandan critics abroad. Robert Kabera’s safety concerns preceded the latest reports Kabera’s full military title was Sergeant Major. He is not Major Robert Higiro, another former Rwandan officer whose testimony about an assassination offer later reached the United States Congress. Confusing the two would merge distinct lives and distinct evidence. Human Rights Watch’s 2023 investigation into Rwanda’s overseas repression documented Kabera’s asylum on political-persecution grounds, his arrest in Uganda in May 2022, and his accounts of assault and threats. It reported that his case was subsequently closed. The organization also cited a Ugandan police document attributing his wife’s disappearance to Rwandan agents. HRW expressly said it could not independently confirm the circumstances of that reported abduction. Those earlier concerns warrant examination; they do not identify whoever may be responsible for the latest reported incident. Contemporaneous reporting by ChimpReports placed Kabera in detention at the Special Investigations Unit in Kireka in May 2022. It recorded that he had left Rwanda claiming persecution. Rwanda had presented a different account of his departure. A 23 November 2020 military statement announced an investigation into a sexual offence involving a family member. That statement establishes that an accusation was made, not that Kabera was convicted. The accusation should neither be treated as proven nor dismissed as fabricated without supporting evidence. Whatever the status of a criminal allegation, it cannot answer the separate question of whether someone received protection against threats. Nor can it justify an attack outside a lawful judicial process. Establishing what happened to Kabera requires evidence about the reported incident itself, including identification, medical findings and an accountable investigation. Uganda’s earlier cases show the consequences of failed protection For Rwandans seeking safety across the border, Uganda has been the setting for both a documented killing of a journalist and an officially acknowledged unlawful return of a refugee. Their circumstances differ, but both demonstrate why protection cannot end with permission to enter a country. Charles Ingabire, an exiled journalist associated with the critical publication Inyenyeri, was shot dead in Kampala on 1 December 2011. The Committee to Protect Journalists described him as an outspoken critic of Rwanda’s government. It also reported an earlier attack in which assailants took his laptop and demanded that he close the publication. That earlier intimidation is relevant to the circumstances of his death. It does not establish the identity of his killers. The confirmed loss of a critical journalist and the unresolved question of responsibility must both remain visible. Joel Mutabazi’s case contains a particularly clear institutional finding. On 26 October 2013, Ugandan police handed the recognized Rwandan refugee to authorities in Rwanda against his will, according to UNHCR’s subsequent statement . ADVERTISEMENT The UN refugee agency said the transfer breached non-refoulement, the protection against returning a person to the dangers from which they fled. Uganda’s minister responsible for refugees acknowledged the handover and described the officer’s conduct as an error and indiscipline. Mutabazi was forcibly returned; he is not a confirmed murder victim. His experience nevertheless exposes a distinct danger: authorities responsible for a refugee’s safety can themselves become the means by which that person is delivered to the government they fear. Accountability in Uganda also requires an accurate account of proceedings against former police chief Kale Kayihura. He faced accusations involving the kidnapping and repatriation of Rwandan refugees and others, which he denied. The military court dropped the charges on 30 August 2023 . Those charges cannot be presented as convictions. In Kenya, political violence left victims beyond the intended target The history reaches back to the 1990s. Human Rights Watch’s chronology of attacks abroad records that former military and intelligence figure Théoneste Lizinde and businessman Augustin Bugirimfura disappeared from Lizinde’s Nairobi home on 6 October 1996. Their bodies were found two days later. Both had been shot. In May 1998, another attack killed former interior minister Seth Sendashonga and his driver, Jean Bosco Nkurubukeye. Sendashonga had broken with Rwanda’s government and continued political activity in exile. The Kenyan High Court judgment delivered in 2001 found his murder politically motivated. It discussed an earlier assassination attempt and the obstruction created by Rwanda’s refusal to waive a suspect’s diplomatic immunity. But the court acquitted the three men before it because their responsibility for the murders had not been proved. The distinction is substantial. A judicial finding of political motive supports scrutiny of the political circumstances. It does not make the acquitted defendants guilty or amount to a criminal conviction of President Paul Kagame. The driver’s death also deserves more than a passing reference. Political violence can kill people whose role is simply to work beside, travel with or protect the person being targeted. Any account concerned with the human cost must preserve their names, rather than reducing them to background details in a prominent figure’s story. South Africa produced convictions and evidence pointing toward Kigali Former Rwandan army chief Kayumba Nyamwasa survived a shooting in Johannesburg in 2010. Four men were convicted in August 2014 over the attempted killing, Reuters reported . Two other defendants were acquitted for insufficient evidence. Rwanda denied involvement in attacks on exiles. The convictions established criminal responsibility for the attack among those found guilty; they did not, by themselves, establish that Kagame personally ordered it. Nyamwasa’s survival also means his case belongs among attempted killings, not in a death toll. The murder of Patrick Karegeya provides further evidence demanding scrutiny. Rwanda’s former external intelligence chief was found dead in a Johannesburg hotel on 1 January 2014 after becoming an opposition figure in exile. In September 2019, Human Rights Watch reported that South African prosecutors had issued arrest warrants for two Rwandan suspects. It also cited written investigative testimony linking Karegeya’s murder and attacks on Nyamwasa to Rwanda’s government. ADVERTISEMENT That is more substantial than an accusation based only on the victim’s politics. It places suspected state involvement within a criminal-investigation record. Yet arrest warrants and investigators’ conclusions still differ from final criminal judgments. The published 2019 developments should not be mistaken for confirmation that a trial has since resolved the case. Higiro’s 2015 congressional testimony adds another strand. He told US lawmakers that Rwandan intelligence had sought to recruit him to kill Karegeya and Nyamwasa. The official record establishes what he testified; it is not a judicial determination that every allegation was proved. Together, these cases show why any investigation must distinguish the attacker, possible organizers and the political leadership. Evidence at one level cannot automatically establish responsibility at every level above it. Equally, the absence of a completed prosecution does not erase the evidence investigators have publicly identified. Disputed deaths must remain disputed Not every death of a Rwandan opposition figure abroad has been conclusively established as a political assassination. Seif Bamporiki, the RNC coordinator in South Africa, was shot dead in February 2021. TimesLIVE quoted police saying he had been making a delivery, that the attackers took his vehicle and that robbery was the suspected motive. That explanation cannot be omitted simply because his political role suggests another possibility. Emmanuel Munyaneza’s death in Uganda in March 2022 also involves conflicting accounts. HRW described indications of violence, but recorded the police position that the postmortem had not established an anatomical cause and that murder had been ruled out. His death cannot responsibly be counted as a proven assassination. These distinctions protect the credibility of the wider account. A pattern of documented repression is grounds for serious investigation. It cannot substitute for evidence about each person’s death. Families deserve explanations based on their relatives’ circumstances, not assumptions imposed to complete a political narrative. Mozambique’s missing journalist remains an unresolved case The questions extend beyond Uganda, Kenya and South Africa. On 6 October 2026, the Human Rights Foundation announced a submission to the UN concerning Cassien Ntamuhanga, a Rwandan journalist and dissident seized in Mozambique in May 2021. HRF said uniformed agents took him from Inhaca Island, that Mozambican authorities denied holding him, and that Rwanda had not accounted for his whereabouts. Its submission seeks answers; it does not establish a new UN finding or confirm his death. Mozambique was also the setting for the September 2021 killing of Révocat Karemangingo, a former Rwandan army official and prominent refugee-community member. HRW’s country report recorded that unidentified attackers shot him dead. A disappearance leaves relatives without even the certainty a confirmed death provides. They may be unable to establish whether someone is detained, where to seek legal assistance or whether they will return. That continuing uncertainty is part of the human harm, and a reason to demand disclosure without declaring missing people dead. Forced returns are not all lawful extraditions Paul Rusesabagina’s journey from Dubai to Kigali in 2020 illustrates another method by which an overseas critic can enter Rwanda’s custody. 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 In a February 2021 interview with Al Jazeera , then justice minister Johnston Busingye acknowledged that Rwanda paid for the aircraft transporting Rusesabagina and defended the operation as legal. That acknowledgement establishes state participation in the transport, while the legality remained contested. Rusesabagina was released in March 2023 after his sentence was commuted . His case is distinct from an assassination or a continuing disappearance. XTRAfrica has previously examined the public advocacy of Carine Kanimba and Rémy Amahirwa , illustrating the role relatives can play in keeping detention cases before international audiences. The language used for cross-border transfers has consequences. Calling a transfer an extradition can suggest judicial safeguards that may not have existed. Calling every transfer an abduction can also obscure what courts actually authorized. Mutabazi’s handover and the publicly acknowledged financing of Rusesabagina’s transport should be described according to their own records. Rwanda rejects the broader accusations Human Rights Watch has described violence, surveillance, pressure on relatives and misuse of law-enforcement mechanisms as interconnected methods of silencing Rwandans abroad . Its findings concern a broader practice, not just isolated high-profile deaths. Rwanda rejects that characterization. Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo dismissed HRW’s 2023 portrayal as distorted, according to AFP reporting . That denial remains part of the record alongside the individual findings and accusations. The dispute also intersects with arguments about national security and political opposition. XTRAfrica’s coverage of Rwanda’s terrorism designations , Victoire Ingabire’s Article 106 challenge and FDU-Inkingi’s leadership transition examines different aspects of that contested political space. Security accusations must be examined on their evidence. A government can investigate crimes while remaining answerable for how suspects are treated. Opposition affiliation does not establish innocence of every accusation, but neither does it remove the right to protection, a fair process or an investigation after an attack. The unanswered questions now centre on Kabera Kabera’s case requires an authoritative account of whether he has died, where and when the reported incident occurred, and how his identity was established. Medical findings and any police investigation must then address the cause and circumstances independently of the online claims. His earlier protection concerns raise further questions. What threats had authorities recorded? What measures were taken? Were complaints investigated? If a killing is confirmed, will investigators examine a possible political connection alongside other explanations, rather than assuming or excluding one in advance? For Uganda, the issue is the safety of people living under its protection. For Rwanda, it is the need to answer specific evidence and allegations concerning its critics abroad. For the families, it is the more immediate demand to know what happened and whether anyone will be held responsible. The next decisive development is an attributable account of Kabera’s fate, supported by identification and investigative findings. The earlier cases make that demand urgent. They do not make the answer automatic. 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 Rwanda Rwanda

Omah Lay announces April 3 release date for his second album Clarity of Mind, featuring singles like “Holy Ghost,” “Waist,” and “Don’t Love Me.” Afrobeats star Omah Lay has confirmed the release date for his highly anticipated second studio album, Clarity of Mind . The Nigerian singer announced that the project will be released on April 3, 2026 , ending months of speculation from fans who have been awaiting the follow-up to his debut album. The announcement was made on February 6, 2026 , when the Grammy-nominated artist shared the update on his social media platforms. The upcoming album has been in development for nearly two years, with fans closely following hints and previews about the project. Album to Feature 12 Tracks According to details shared by the singer, Clarity of Mind will contain 12 tracks . Several previously released singles will appear on the album, including “Holy Ghost,” “Waist,” and “Don’t Love Me.” These songs have already generated strong reactions from listeners and have helped build anticipation ahead of the album’s official release. While the full tracklist and featured artists have not yet been revealed, industry observers expect the project to include contributions from Tempoe , a longtime collaborator of Omah Lay. The producer previously worked extensively on the singer’s debut album Boy Alone . Tempoe also produced the Grammy-nominated song “With You,” a collaboration between Omah Lay and Davido, and has confirmed that he worked on at least two songs on the upcoming album. High Expectations After ‘Boy Alone’ The new project arrives with significant expectations. Omah Lay’s debut album Boy Alone received strong critical and commercial reception, establishing him as one of the leading voices in contemporary Afrobeats. The Port Harcourt-born singer is widely recognized for writing emotionally driven songs that explore themes such as love, vulnerability, and personal struggles. His recent single “Don’t Love Me” reflects this style, offering a candid perspective on romantic relationships and commitment challenges. Recording Challenges Behind the Album Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Omah Lay Sets April 3 Release for ‘Clarity of Mind’ Album By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Mar 7, 2026 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Afrobeats star Omah Lay has confirmed the release date for his highly anticipated second studio album, Clarity of Mind . The Nigerian singer announced that the project will be released on April 3, 2026 , ending months of speculation from fans who have been awaiting the follow-up to his debut album. The announcement was made on February 6, 2026 , when the Grammy-nominated artist shared the update on his social media platforms. The upcoming album has been in development for nearly two years, with fans closely following hints and previews about the project. Album to Feature 12 Tracks According to details shared by the singer, Clarity of Mind will contain 12 tracks . Several previously released singles will appear on the album, including “Holy Ghost,” “Waist,” and “Don’t Love Me.” These songs have already generated strong reactions from listeners and have helped build anticipation ahead of the album’s official release. ADVERTISEMENT While the full tracklist and featured artists have not yet been revealed, industry observers expect the project to include contributions from Tempoe , a longtime collaborator of Omah Lay. The producer previously worked extensively on the singer’s debut album Boy Alone . Tempoe also produced the Grammy-nominated song “With You,” a collaboration between Omah Lay and Davido, and has confirmed that he worked on at least two songs on the upcoming album. High Expectations After ‘Boy Alone’ The new project arrives with significant expectations. Omah Lay’s debut album Boy Alone received strong critical and commercial reception, establishing him as one of the leading voices in contemporary Afrobeats. ADVERTISEMENT The Port Harcourt-born singer is widely recognized for writing emotionally driven songs that explore themes such as love, vulnerability, and personal struggles. His recent single “Don’t Love Me” reflects this style, offering a candid perspective on romantic relationships and commitment challenges. Recording Challenges Behind the Album In earlier comments to fans, Omah Lay revealed that the album’s release timeline had been delayed. The singer said he was forced to restart the recording process after discovering that another artist had allegedly copied elements of his sound. The final project will be released under Keyqaad , the label that has supported the artist since his breakout in 2020 with the EP Get Layd , which introduced him to mainstream audiences. 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 With the release date now confirmed, fans can expect more details about the album—including its full tracklist and possible collaborations—in the coming weeks. Source: Pulse Nigeria ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigeria Nigeria

Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry sustained a brain bleed and other injuries after a stage fall; she will return home for continued medical care. Miss Jamaica Universe 2025, Gabrielle Henry, is set to return home for continued treatment following a serious fall during the Miss Universe preliminary competition in Bangkok, according to a joint statement from her family and the Miss Universe Organization. Henry, an ophthalmologist and national titleholder, fell through an opening on the stage during her preliminary walk on November 19. The statement confirmed that she sustained an intracranial hemorrhage, lost consciousness, and suffered a fracture, facial lacerations, and additional injuries. She was admitted to intensive care in Bangkok, where she remained in critical condition under continuous neurological monitoring and 24-hour specialist care. The new update contrasts earlier reports from pageant co-owner Raúl Rocha, who initially said Henry had no life-threatening injuries or broken bones. According to the statement, Henry will be transported to Jamaica in the coming days with a full medical escort. She will be taken directly to a hospital for further treatment and rehabilitation. The Miss Universe Organization said it has taken “full responsibility” for her care, covering all medical expenses, accommodations for her mother and sister, and the medical transport to Jamaica. The organization also committed to funding all future medical costs linked to the incident. The statement also rejected claims that Henry was at fault for the fall. It noted that reports suggesting she was not paying attention are “entirely inaccurate” and emphasized that Henry never received blame from the organization. Her family thanked Jamaicans, the pageant community, and global supporters for their messages of encouragement. Henry, who won Miss Universe Jamaica on her second attempt after first competing in 2023, founded the See Mee Foundation to support visually impaired individuals. Prior to the competition, she described representing Jamaica as requiring poise, elegance, and refinement. Continue Reading Full Article FASHION Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry Suffers Brain Bleed After Pageant Fall By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Dec 10, 2025 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Miss Jamaica Universe 2025, Gabrielle Henry, is set to return home for continued treatment following a serious fall during the Miss Universe preliminary competition in Bangkok, according to a joint statement from her family and the Miss Universe Organization. Henry, an ophthalmologist and national titleholder, fell through an opening on the stage during her preliminary walk on November 19. The statement confirmed that she sustained an intracranial hemorrhage, lost consciousness, and suffered a fracture, facial lacerations, and additional injuries. She was admitted to intensive care in Bangkok, where she remained in critical condition under continuous neurological monitoring and 24-hour specialist care. ADVERTISEMENT The new update contrasts earlier reports from pageant co-owner Raúl Rocha, who initially said Henry had no life-threatening injuries or broken bones. According to the statement, Henry will be transported to Jamaica in the coming days with a full medical escort. She will be taken directly to a hospital for further treatment and rehabilitation. ADVERTISEMENT The Miss Universe Organization said it has taken “full responsibility” for her care, covering all medical expenses, accommodations for her mother and sister, and the medical transport to Jamaica. The organization also committed to funding all future medical costs linked to the incident. The statement also rejected claims that Henry was at fault for the fall. It noted that reports suggesting she was not paying attention are “entirely inaccurate” and emphasized that Henry never received blame from the organization. Her family thanked Jamaicans, the pageant community, and global supporters for their messages of encouragement. 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 Henry, who won Miss Universe Jamaica on her second attempt after first competing in 2023, founded the See Mee Foundation to support visually impaired individuals. Prior to the competition, she described representing Jamaica as requiring poise, elegance, and refinement. 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 Jamaica Jamaica