WHY some white South Africans are moving back home as returnees cite family, affordability and lifestyle over Trump’s persecution claims. Some white South Africans living abroad are choosing to move back home even as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to argue that they face persecution in South Africa, according to a March 11 report. The story points instead to a more practical calculation for many returnees: family proximity, lower living costs, remote work flexibility and a lifestyle they say feels better suited to their children. Reuters reported that some expatriates in the United States and Europe are now reconsidering life abroad, with several saying South Africa offers a stronger sense of home despite the country’s well-known problems with crime and unemployment. One returnee told us, he now sees greater day-to-day insecurity in the United States, while others said they missed family life, outdoor living and the relative affordability of private schooling and healthcare in South Africa. The report also lands amid an ongoing political dispute over Trump’s position on white South Africans, particularly Afrikaners. His administration has promoted a refugee pathway for white South Africans, while Pretoria has repeatedly rejected the claim that whites are being systematically persecuted. South African officials have described that narrative as false and misleading, and outside reporting has noted that the allegation remains heavily contested. Reuters said return migration interest is also being helped by administrative changes at home. A government portal launched after the reversal of an older citizenship rule has allowed some South Africans abroad to check or restore their citizenship status, while recruitment firms cited in the report say inquiries from expatriates wanting to return have risen. Reuters further noted that remote work has made the move easier for some professionals, allowing them to keep foreign jobs while relocating back to South Africa. The article does not dismiss South Africa’s structural challenges. Crime remains a major concern, and unemployment remains deeply unequal. But Reuters frames the current movement less as an ideological vote and more as a personal one: for some white South Africans abroad, the pull of home, cost advantages and daily quality of life is proving stronger than Trump’s persecution narrative. Source: Reuters AFRICAN POLITICS WHY White South Africans Are Returning Despite Trump By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Mar 11, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The first group of Afrikaners from South Africa to arrive for resettlement listen to remarks from Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and US Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Troy Edgar, after they arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Va., on May 12, 2025.Saul Loeb / AFP - Getty Images file Some white South Africans living abroad are choosing to move back home even as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to argue that they face persecution in South Africa, according to a March 11 report. The story points instead to a more practical calculation for many returnees: family proximity, lower living costs, remote work flexibility and a lifestyle they say feels better suited to their children. Reuters reported that some expatriates in the United States and Europe are now reconsidering life abroad, with several saying South Africa offers a stronger sense of home despite the country’s well-known problems with crime and unemployment. One returnee told us, he now sees greater day-to-day insecurity in the United States, while others said they missed family life, outdoor living and the relative affordability of private schooling and healthcare in South Africa. ADVERTISEMENT The report also lands amid an ongoing political dispute over Trump’s position on white South Africans, particularly Afrikaners. His administration has promoted a refugee pathway for white South Africans, while Pretoria has repeatedly rejected the claim that whites are being systematically persecuted. South African officials have described that narrative as false and misleading, and outside reporting has noted that the allegation remains heavily contested. Reuters said return migration interest is also being helped by administrative changes at home. A government portal launched after the reversal of an older citizenship rule has allowed some South Africans abroad to check or restore their citizenship status, while recruitment firms cited in the report say inquiries from expatriates wanting to return have risen. Reuters further noted that remote work has made the move easier for some professionals, allowing them to keep foreign jobs while relocating back to South Africa. ADVERTISEMENT The article does not dismiss South Africa’s structural challenges. Crime remains a major concern, and unemployment remains deeply unequal. But Reuters frames the current movement less as an ideological vote and more as a personal one: for some white South Africans abroad, the pull of home, cost advantages and daily quality of life is proving stronger than Trump’s persecution narrative. Source: Reuters ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Justice & Crime Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu Charged With Treason . Jobs and Employment How to Apply for SAPS Jobs Online in 2026 . Tax and Revenue SARS Auto Assessment 2026: How to Check and What to Do . Scholarships UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Opens to Africans . Entertainment Jub Jub Arrest Warrant Issued After Missed Court Appearance . ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Justice & Crime Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu Charged With Treason Lawyers confirm formal charges after the opposition leaders were questioned and detained in Lusaka. . Jobs and Employment How to Apply for SAPS Jobs Online in 2026 Use the official SAPS e-Recruitment portal to register, complete your profile, and apply. . Tax and Revenue SARS Auto Assessment 2026: How to Check and What to Do Check if SARS auto-assessed you, review the ITA34, and fix errors before the deadline. . Scholarships UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Opens to Africans UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027 is open to African students with ... . Tags South Africa South Africa South Africa News South Africa News African Union African Union

Rwanda and Burundi Border Burundi's President, Evariste Ndayishimiye, has accused Rwanda of supporting the rebel group RED-Tabara, which is allegedly responsible for recent attacks in Burundi, including a deadly raid on the village of Gatumba near the Burundi-Congo border. This attack resulted in at least 20 deaths, including civilians. President Ndayishimiye claimed that Rwanda has been providing shelter, logistics, and financial support to RED-Tabara, a group that emerged in 2011 and has been active in Burundi since 2015. He accused Rwanda of hosting and maintaining the rebels and also claimed that Burundi had been unsuccessfully negotiating with Rwanda for two years for the extradition of these rebels. In response to these allegations, the Rwandan government has denied any association with the RED-Tabara rebel group. Rwanda has stated that it is not involved with any Burundian armed groups and urged Burundi to address its concerns through diplomatic channels. The RED-Tabara group, based in South Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has denied targeting civilians in their attacks and claimed to be supported only by the Burundian people, not by any country. This situation has complicated the already tense relations between Burundi and Rwanda. Despite some improvement in relations since Ndayishimiye's ascension to power in 2020, the recent allegations and counter-allegations suggest a renewal of strains between the two neighboring countries. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Jan 1, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Rwanda and Burundi Border Burundi's President, Evariste Ndayishimiye, has accused Rwanda of supporting the rebel group RED-Tabara, which is allegedly responsible for recent attacks in Burundi, including a deadly raid on the village of Gatumba near the Burundi-Congo border. This attack resulted in at least 20 deaths, including civilians. ADVERTISEMENT President Ndayishimiye claimed that Rwanda has been providing shelter, logistics, and financial support to RED-Tabara, a group that emerged in 2011 and has been active in Burundi since 2015. He accused Rwanda of hosting and maintaining the rebels and also claimed that Burundi had been unsuccessfully negotiating with Rwanda for two years for the extradition of these rebels. In response to these allegations, the Rwandan government has denied any association with the RED-Tabara rebel group. Rwanda has stated that it is not involved with any Burundian armed groups and urged Burundi to address its concerns through diplomatic channels. ADVERTISEMENT The RED-Tabara group, based in South Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has denied targeting civilians in their attacks and claimed to be supported only by the Burundian people, not by any country. This situation has complicated the already tense relations between Burundi and Rwanda. Despite some improvement in relations since Ndayishimiye's ascension to power in 2020, the recent allegations and counter-allegations suggest a renewal of strains between the two neighboring countries. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tags

Ariana Grande reflects on late ex Mac Miller’s influence on her music, sharing how he shaped her artistic direction seven years after his death. Ariana Grande has reflected on the lasting impact of her late former partner, Mac Miller, seven years after his death. Speaking during a recent master class at Chapman University, the singer discussed how the rapper significantly shaped her musical development. Grande explained that Miller encouraged her to trust her creative instincts, particularly as she moved toward a more R&B-influenced pop sound. She said his guidance helped her pursue what she described as “the brave thing” in her artistic choices. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, Grande recalled that one of the reasons she wanted Miller featured on her 2013 breakout single The Way was because of his role in helping her discover her sound. “Not only because he was perfect for the song, but I also felt like I had him to thank for finding my sound,” she said. The pair continued collaborating, including on his 2016 single My Favorite Part and a remix of her track Into You , before confirming their romantic relationship later that year. They dated for nearly two years before separating in May 2018. Miller died in September 2018 at age 26 from an accidental overdose. Following his death, Grande posted a tribute expressing deep affection and grief, writing that he had been her “dearest friend” and that she hoped he was “at peace.” Grande’s recent reflections highlight how Miller’s influence continues to resonate in her life and work, underscoring the personal and artistic connection they shared. Continue Reading Full Article MUSICS Ariana Grande Reflects on Mac Miller’s Influence Seven Years On By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Dec 9, 2025 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Ariana Grande has reflected on the lasting impact of her late former partner, Mac Miller, seven years after his death. Speaking during a recent master class at Chapman University, the singer discussed how the rapper significantly shaped her musical development. Grande explained that Miller encouraged her to trust her creative instincts, particularly as she moved toward a more R&B-influenced pop sound. She said his guidance helped her pursue what she described as “the brave thing” in her artistic choices. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, Grande recalled that one of the reasons she wanted Miller featured on her 2013 breakout single The Way was because of his role in helping her discover her sound. “Not only because he was perfect for the song, but I also felt like I had him to thank for finding my sound,” she said. ADVERTISEMENT The pair continued collaborating, including on his 2016 single My Favorite Part and a remix of her track Into You , before confirming their romantic relationship later that year. They dated for nearly two years before separating in May 2018. Miller died in September 2018 at age 26 from an accidental overdose. Following his death, Grande posted a tribute expressing deep affection and grief, writing that he had been her “dearest friend” and that she hoped he was “at peace.” ADVERTISEMENT Grande’s recent reflections highlight how Miller’s influence continues to resonate in her life and work, underscoring the personal and artistic connection they shared. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . Entertainment Jub Jub Arrest Warrant Issued After Missed Court Appearance . Entertainment Black Coffee Wins R7 Million Court Battle Against Maserati . Entertainment Funke Akindele Faces Mixed Reactions Over Birthday Post . ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE 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. . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto FOLA earned 10 nominations as The Headies prepares its October ceremony in Toronto . Entertainment Jub Jub Arrest Warrant Issued After Missed Court Appearance The warrant was held over after Jub Jub missed court citing illness and will not be enforced yet. . Entertainment Black Coffee Wins R7 Million Court Battle Against Maserati The High Court ordered Maserati to repay Soulistic Music over an undelivered customised MC20 Cielo. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment United States United States

Cardi B apologised after accidentally soaking a fan’s hair during a Houston stop on her Little Miss Drama Tour. American rapper Cardi B has apologised to a fan whose freshly styled hair was accidentally soaked during a recent stop on her Little Miss Drama Tour in Houston. The incident occurred on March 4 when the 33-year-old performer poured water over herself mid-performance and threw the bottle into the crowd. The water hit a fan whose hair and glasses were drenched during the moment. The fan, who posts on social media under the handle @labellepatrice , later shared the experience online. She noted that she had styled her hair the day before the concert but said the unexpected moment was still “worth it. Cardi B responded directly in the comment section with a humorous apology. “Sorry friend… I’m mad at myself cause what happen if you was going to the club after and I just f— your sh up,” the rapper wrote. The moment has become one of several viral highlights from the Little Miss Drama Tour , which only recently began. On the tour’s opening night in Las Vegas on February 13 , Cardi B also drew attention online after briefly falling backward off a chair during a performance before quickly recovering and continuing the show. During other performances, the rapper has also addressed fans about relationships and self-confidence while interacting with the audience. The tour follows a personal milestone for the rapper, who welcomed her fourth child , a son, with NFL star Stefon Diggs a few months earlier. She also shares three children — Kulture, Wave and Blossom — with her former husband, rapper Offset . Source: Geo News Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Cardi B Apologises After Fan’s Hair Gets Wet at Houston Show By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Mar 11, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: American rapper Cardi B has apologised to a fan whose freshly styled hair was accidentally soaked during a recent stop on her Little Miss Drama Tour in Houston. The incident occurred on March 4 when the 33-year-old performer poured water over herself mid-performance and threw the bottle into the crowd. The water hit a fan whose hair and glasses were drenched during the moment. ADVERTISEMENT The fan, who posts on social media under the handle @labellepatrice , later shared the experience online. She noted that she had styled her hair the day before the concert but said the unexpected moment was still “worth it. Cardi B responded directly in the comment section with a humorous apology. “Sorry friend… I’m mad at myself cause what happen if you was going to the club after and I just f— your sh up,” the rapper wrote. The moment has become one of several viral highlights from the Little Miss Drama Tour , which only recently began. On the tour’s opening night in Las Vegas on February 13 , Cardi B also drew attention online after briefly falling backward off a chair during a performance before quickly recovering and continuing the show. ADVERTISEMENT During other performances, the rapper has also addressed fans about relationships and self-confidence while interacting with the audience. The tour follows a personal milestone for the rapper, who welcomed her fourth child , a son, with NFL star Stefon Diggs a few months earlier. She also shares three children — Kulture, Wave and Blossom — with her former husband, rapper Offset . ADVERTISEMENT Source: Geo News TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . Entertainment Jub Jub Arrest Warrant Issued After Missed Court Appearance . Entertainment Black Coffee Wins R7 Million Court Battle Against Maserati . Entertainment Funke Akindele Faces Mixed Reactions Over Birthday Post . ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE 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. . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto FOLA earned 10 nominations as The Headies prepares its October ceremony in Toronto . Entertainment Jub Jub Arrest Warrant Issued After Missed Court Appearance The warrant was held over after Jub Jub missed court citing illness and will not be enforced yet. . Entertainment Black Coffee Wins R7 Million Court Battle Against Maserati The High Court ordered Maserati to repay Soulistic Music over an undelivered customised MC20 Cielo. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment United States United States

Addis Ababa, May 26, 2024 – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that preparations for this year’s Green Legacy planting season are well underway. Planting sites are being readied and seedlings continuously cultivated. "Our annual program, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, combating climate change, reversing deforestation, and reducing land degradation, involves communities, schools, and organizations working together to plant billions of trees," Abiy shared on social media. Launched in June 2019, the Green Legacy Initiative is a flagship program of Prime Minister Abiy . Ethiopia has planted 32.5 billion tree saplings nationwide under this initiative, with a target to plant 50 billion trees by 2026. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home May 27, 2024 May 15, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Young healthy trees in an afforastated land Addis Ababa, May 26, 2024 – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that preparations for this year’s Green Legacy planting season are well underway. Planting sites are being readied and seedlings continuously cultivated. "Our annual program, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, combating climate change, reversing deforestation, and reducing land degradation, involves communities, schools, and organizations working together to plant billions of trees," Abiy shared on social media. Launched in June 2019, the Green Legacy Initiative is a flagship program of Prime Minister Abiy . Ethiopia has planted 32.5 billion tree saplings nationwide under this initiative, with a target to plant 50 billion trees by 2026. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tags

Zambia Airways (ZA) is set to commence its inaugural flights into East Africa this week, marking a significant expansion of their route network. The new service, flight ZN 504, will connect Lusaka to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Nairobi in Kenya, operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. In a recent statement, Zambia Airways CEO Thomas Woldesenbet confirmed the inaugural flights are scheduled for this Thursday, with many travelers already booked. This new development is part of Zambia Airways' strategic efforts to broaden its reach and offer more travel options to its customers. By Author Name Author Name Home Jun 26, 2024 May 15, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Zambia airways Zambia Airways (ZA) is set to commence its inaugural flights into East Africa this week, marking a significant expansion of their route network. ADVERTISEMENT The new service, flight ZN 504, will connect Lusaka to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Nairobi in Kenya, operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. In a recent statement, Zambia Airways CEO Thomas Woldesenbet confirmed the inaugural flights are scheduled for this Thursday, with many travelers already booked. This new development is part of Zambia Airways' strategic efforts to broaden its reach and offer more travel options to its customers. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tags

Adekunle Gold opens up about battling sickle cell disease, dark thoughts in his 20s, and public stigma. Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has opened up about his long battle with sickle cell disease, revealing how a severe health crisis in his 20s pushed him into dark thoughts. Speaking during a recent interview with media personality Angela Yee , the “Orente” crooner said he still faces stigma whenever he tells people he is living with sickle cell disease. According to the singer, some people react as though his condition means he is close to death. Adekunle Gold recalled experiencing what he described as the wors t sickle cell crisis of his life at the age of 20 . He said the pain became so unbearable that he prayed for God to take his life. The singer explained that the situation was so serious that even his mother, who usually corrected him whenever he made such statements, could not stop him that night. “At 20, I had the craziest crisis of my life. I told God to take my life,” he said during the interview. Despite the painful experiences, Adekunle Gold said he remains grateful to still be alive and continues to fight through the condition while inspiring others living with sickle cell disease. The singer has previously used his platform to create awareness about sickle cell disorder and encourage conversations around the physical and emotional challenges faced by patients. Source: The Sun Nigeria Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Adekunle Gold Speaks on Sickle Cell Struggles By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home May 16, 2026 May 16, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has opened up about his long battle with sickle cell disease, revealing how a severe health crisis in his 20s pushed him into dark thoughts. Speaking during a recent interview with media personality Angela Yee , the “Orente” crooner said he still faces stigma whenever he tells people he is living with sickle cell disease. According to the singer, some people react as though his condition means he is close to death. Adekunle Gold recalled experiencing what he described as the wors t sickle cell crisis of his life at the age of 20 . He said the pain became so unbearable that he prayed for God to take his life. ADVERTISEMENT The singer explained that the situation was so serious that even his mother, who usually corrected him whenever he made such statements, could not stop him that night. “At 20, I had the craziest crisis of my life. I told God to take my life,” he said during the interview. ADVERTISEMENT Despite the painful experiences, Adekunle Gold said he remains grateful to still be alive and continues to fight through the condition while inspiring others living with sickle cell disease. The singer has previously used his platform to create awareness about sickle cell disorder and encourage conversations around the physical and emotional challenges faced by patients. ADVERTISEMENT Source: The Sun Nigeria TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . Entertainment Jub Jub Arrest Warrant Issued After Missed Court Appearance . Entertainment Black Coffee Wins R7 Million Court Battle Against Maserati . Entertainment Funke Akindele Faces Mixed Reactions Over Birthday Post . ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE 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. . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto FOLA earned 10 nominations as The Headies prepares its October ceremony in Toronto . Entertainment Jub Jub Arrest Warrant Issued After Missed Court Appearance The warrant was held over after Jub Jub missed court citing illness and will not be enforced yet. . Entertainment Black Coffee Wins R7 Million Court Battle Against Maserati The High Court ordered Maserati to repay Soulistic Music over an undelivered customised MC20 Cielo. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigeria Nigeria

Learn how the Suri lip plate is made possible through gradual stretching, when each step happens, and what the practice means. The Suri lip plate is one of the most recognized forms of body adornment in southwestern Ethiopia. But the plate does not appear all at once. It is made possible through a slow process: the lower lip is cut, held open, healed, and then stretched gradually with larger plugs until it can hold a clay or wooden plate. The most precise academic language sources identify Suri as the Chai and Tirmaga dialects of the Chai-Tirmaga-Mursi cluster. Meaghan E. Smith’s Dallas International University thesis on Suri notes that Chai and Tirmaga share the ISO code [suq], while Mursi is closely related but usually treated separately in current language use ( Smith, 2018, pp. 2–4 pdf ). This distinction matters because many public sources group Suri, Surma, Chai, Tirma, and Mursi together. For the actual lip-plate process, the strongest available evidence comes from sources that name Mursi, Chai, and Tirma together, especially Mursi Online’s Durham University-hosted page on lip plates, and from Shauna LaTosky’s academic essay , “Reflections on the lip-plates of Mursi women”. These sources should be used carefully: Mursi evidence is closely related and useful, but it should not be carelessly presented as if every Suri community follows the process in exactly the same way. Quick Facts The lip plate is worn in the lower lip. The process usually begins around puberty. The first cut is commonly reported at about age 15 or 16. A small wooden stick or plug is inserted first. The lip is stretched slowly with larger plugs. The stretching process can take several months to about one year. Continue Reading Full Article AFRICAN CULTURE The Painful Process Behind Making a Suri Lip Plate By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Jul 10, 2026 Jul 15, 2026 16 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Suri lip plate traditions involve a gradual and often painful stretching process The Suri lip plate is one of the most recognized forms of body adornment in southwestern Ethiopia. But the plate does not appear all at once. It is made possible through a slow process: the lower lip is cut, held open, healed, and then stretched gradually with larger plugs until it can hold a clay or wooden plate. The most precise academic language sources identify Suri as the Chai and Tirmaga dialects of the Chai-Tirmaga-Mursi cluster. Meaghan E. Smith’s Dallas International University thesis on Suri notes that Chai and Tirmaga share the ISO code [suq], while Mursi is closely related but usually treated separately in current language use ( Smith, 2018, pp. 2–4 pdf ). This distinction matters because many public sources group Suri, Surma, Chai, Tirma, and Mursi together. Traditional Suri lip plate materials and tools, including wooden and clay lip plates, stretching plugs, and piercing implements used during the gradual process of lip plate preparation among some Suri women in Ethiopia's Omo Valley. For the actual lip-plate process, the strongest available evidence comes from sources that name Mursi, Chai, and Tirma together, especially Mursi Online’s Durham University-hosted page on lip plates, and from Shauna LaTosky’s academic essay , “Reflections on the lip-plates of Mursi women”. These sources should be used carefully: Mursi evidence is closely related and useful, but it should not be carelessly presented as if every Suri community follows the process in exactly the same way. Quick Facts The lip plate is worn in the lower lip. The process usually begins around puberty. The first cut is commonly reported at about age 15 or 16. A small wooden stick or plug is inserted first. The lip is stretched slowly with larger plugs. The stretching process can take several months to about one year. Clay and wooden plates are both documented. The final size depends on the wearer, healing, preference, and how far the lip can stretch. The exact age for lower-incisor removal is not clearly documented in the reviewed sources. Who Are the Suri? In public writing, “Suri” and “Surma” are often used loosely. More precise linguistic research is narrower. Smith explains that Suri, in her thesis, refers to the Chai and Tirmaga dialects of the Chai-Tirmaga-Mursi cluster. She writes that “Suri is a member of the Surmic group” (Smith, 2018, p. 2). Suri women This means that when an article discusses Suri lip plates, it should be clear about source evidence. Some evidence directly names Chai and Tirma. Some comes from Mursi ethnography. Some public sources use broader terms such as Surma or Suri. A careful article should not flatten these communities into one single group. Also read our detailed article on Who Are the Suri People? Ethiopia’s Proud Warrior Culture Jon Abbink’s research on Dizi, Suri, and Me’en plant use describes the Suri as agropastoralists in southwestern Ethiopia. In that study, Abbink writes that “The Suri (about 28,000) are agropastoralists” (Abbink, 1995, p. 2). That wider agropastoral setting helps explain why body adornment, cattle, marriage, and social adulthood are often discussed together in research on these communities. When the Process Begins The most specific age evidence comes from Mursi Online’s lip-plate page , which states that among the Mursi, Chai, and Tirma, a girl’s lower lip is cut “when she reaches the age of 15 or 16.” This is the clearest age marker available in the reviewed sources. Two Suri adolescent girls ready for lip plate LaTosky gives a broader life-stage marker. She writes that when a Mursi girl reaches puberty, “she will have her lip cut and a small wooden stick inserted” (LaTosky, 2006, p. 384). She describes this as a “passage from girlhood to womanhood” (LaTosky, 2006, p. 384). Together, these sources support a careful statement: the process is associated with puberty and is commonly reported around age 15 or 16. It should not be described as something done in early childhood. LaTosky does mention a young child playing with a branch as if wearing a lip plate, but that is imitation in play, not the actual piercing process. ADVERTISEMENT Step One: The Lower Lip Is Cut The first physical step is the cutting of the lower lip. Mursi Online states that the cut is made by a girl’s mother or by another woman from her settlement. LaTosky also records the beginning of the process after puberty, when the lip is cut and a small wooden stick is inserted. A Suri elder performs the traditional piercing of a young girl's lower lip This first cut is not the same as wearing a full plate. It is only the opening stage. The lip has to heal before it can be stretched further. The early wound is delicate, and the sources make clear that gradual change is essential. Abbink’s Suri plant-use research gives one important piece of local context. He records that Ximenia americana oil is used after “ear- and lip-piercing” (Abbink, 1995, p. 7). This does not explain the full lip-plate process, but it does show that Suri communities have documented plant-based aftercare associated with piercing wounds. Step Two: A Wooden Plug Holds the Cut Open After the lower lip is cut, a small wooden stick or plug is inserted. The goal is not yet to create a large opening. It is to keep the cut from closing while the wound heals. Wooden stretching plugs used by the Suri after the initial lower lip piercing. The plugs keep the incision open while it heals and are gradually replaced with larger sizes before a decorative lip plate can be worn. Mursi Online says the cut is held open by a wooden plug until the wound heals, which can take around three months. This healing stage is important because stretching too quickly could tear the lip. LaTosky’s account gives the same basic sequence. First comes the cut. Then comes the small wooden stick. Then the lip is slowly stretched over time. The process is not instant decoration. It is a controlled transformation of the lower lip. Step Three: The Lip Heals The healing period is a major part of the process. Mursi Online gives the clearest timeframe, saying healing can take around three months. During this period, the wooden plug keeps the opening in place. This stage is also where local aftercare matters. Abbink’s note about oil used after lip-piercing is useful because it connects the practice to broader Suri knowledge of wounds and healing plants. However, the reviewed evidence does not give a complete medical description of how every wound is treated. Any article should avoid making strong claims about medicine beyond what the sources say. Step Four: Larger Plugs Stretch the Lip Once the first wound has healed enough, the stretching begins. This is the key to how the lip plate becomes possible. Mursi Online describes the process with the phrase “progressively larger plugs.” LaTosky gives a more detailed timeline, saying the lip is cut and stretched “over a one year period by inserting bigger and bigger wooden plugs” before larger lip plates made of clay or wood are worn ( LaTosky, 2006, p. 384 ). ADVERTISEMENT This means the plate is not forced into a newly cut lip. The opening is expanded little by little. Each larger plug increases the size of the opening. Over months, the lower lip becomes elastic enough to hold a plate. The final size is not fixed. Mursi Online notes that it appears to be up to the individual girl to decide how far to stretch the lip. Some continue until the lip can hold plates of 12 centimeters or more. Others stop earlier. LaTosky adds that some girls’ lips cannot withstand long stretching, and a girl may choose not to cut her lip or may stretch only enough for a smaller clay plate (LaTosky, 2006, p. 384). Step Five: Clay or Wooden Plates Are Worn After enough stretching, the lip can hold a plate. LaTosky records both clay and wooden plates. She identifies clay plates as dhebinya and wooden plates as kiyo in her Mursi-focused discussion (LaTosky, 2006, p. 384). Examples of traditional Suri lip plates, showing both carved wooden plates (left) and a decorated fired-clay plate (right). While wooden plates are lighter and often carved from local hardwoods, clay plates allow for decorative incised patterns and are among the most recognizable forms of Suri body adornment The material and style can vary. LaTosky describes red, reddish-brown, black, and natural clay-colored plates. She also notes that wooden plates are often described as large and beautiful, especially among unmarried girls and women in southern Mursi areas ( LaTosky, 2006, pp. 384–385 ). Suri woman ready to fit her first Lip plate Lip plates are inserted only after months of gradual stretching following a lower-lip piercing and stretching A brief attached profile on Surma/Suri describes women as “known for their large clay lip plates,” worn in the lower lip as signs of beauty and prestige. Because that source is short and less academic, it is best used only as supporting context, not as the main authority. What Ages Are Linked to Each Step? The strongest evidence supports this careful timeline: Around puberty, usually about 15 or 16: the lower lip is cut. Immediately after cutting: a small wooden stick or plug is inserted. First healing period, around three months: the wooden plug holds the cut open while the wound heals. Following months: larger wooden plugs are inserted gradually. Over several months to about one year: the lip is stretched enough to hold a plate. Late teenage years and around marriage: unmarried and newly married women are especially associated with wearing lip plates. The exact age at which lower incisors are removed is not clearly given in the reviewed sources. Moges Yigezu’s Cambridge Core article on Chai lip-plate speech confirms that the practice affects “the lower lip and the lower incisors” (Yigezu, 2001, pp. 203–221), but the reviewed abstract does not give the age or sequence of tooth removal. What the Lip Plate Means Mouth adorned Suri women LaTosky argues that the lip plate is tied to social adulthood, maturity, fertility, and marriage. She writes that once the lip is cut, stretched, and fitted with larger plates, the girl is defined as “sexually mature” (LaTosky, 2006, p. 384). ADVERTISEMENT Read our detailed article on why Suri women put on lip plates The lip plate is known as an expression of social adulthood and reproductive potential. This is important because the practice should not be reduced to shock, beauty, or tourism. It is part of a wider social language of adulthood, identity, and presentation. LaTosky also shows that women’s views matter. She frames the lip plate within “female strength and self-esteem” (LaTosky, 2006, p. 382). That does not mean every girl has the same experience or motivation. Mursi Online notes that girls may choose whether to pierce and how far to stretch, while also acknowledging peer pressure. The evidence points to a complex practice shaped by personal choice, social expectation, beauty, identity, and adulthood. Misconceptions About Bridewealth and Origins One common claim says the larger the plate, the higher the bridewealth. The reviewed evidence does not support that as a simple fact. Mursi Online states that many marriages and bridewealth arrangements are already settled before a girl’s lip is cut. LaTosky also notes that David Turton rejected a direct link between plate size and bridewealth, although she leaves room for the possibility that a beautifully stretched lip could influence marriage negotiations indirectly in some cases (LaTosky, 2006, pp. 385–386). Read our detailed article on How a suri Boy gets a wife Another common claim says lip plates began as deliberate disfigurement to make women unattractive to slave raiders. Mursi Online rejects this explanation, noting that Mursi themselves do not give this origin story and that lip plates are not unique to Africa or to women. The safest wording is this: the reviewed sources do not support the slave-raider origin story, and they do not support a simple bridewealth-size formula. Modern Pressures and Tourism Lip plates are now part of a wider conversation about tourism, identity, and outside judgment. Mursi Online notes that the lip plate has become a visible marker attracting tourists. A 2024 review of intentional dental modifications in African populations also summarizes Turton’s point that lip plates are now used in tourism contexts by Mursi and Surma women ( Kgabi, Manica & Pandey, 2024 ). This modern context matters. The lip plate is not only a tradition preserved unchanged outside history. It is also shaped by photography, tourism, government pressure, local choice, and changing ideas of respectability and identity. Conclusion The Suri lip plate is made possible by time. The process begins around puberty, most clearly documented around age 15 or 16, when the lower lip is cut and held open with a wooden plug. After healing, larger plugs are inserted little by little. Over months, and sometimes about a year, the lip stretches enough to hold a clay or wooden plate. The practice is not just a physical alteration. In the strongest available research, it is linked to womanhood, maturity, beauty, public presentation, and identity. But it should be described with care. Suri, Chai, Tirma, and Mursi evidence overlaps, but they are not always the same. Some details, especially the exact age of lower-incisor removal, remain unsupported by the reviewed sources. Reference: Mursi Online : Lip-plates LaTosky’s academic essay on Mursi lip plates Smith, Meaghan E. Noun Modification in Suri Narrative Texts. MA thesis, Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics, 2018 pdf. Abbink (1995, pp. 2, 7pdf) informed Suri agropastoral context and plant-based aftercare for lip-piercing wounds TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY African Culture Disability-Selective Infanticide: The Hidden History in Maasailand . African Culture Zee Nxumalo Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Amapiano Rise . African Culture Wendy Shay Biography: Age, Nursing Career, Songs & AFRIMA Win . African Culture Vinka Biography: Real Name, Songs, Family & Music Career . African Culture Vestine & Dorcas Biography: Ages, Family, Songs & Career . ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE African Culture Disability-Selective Infanticide: The Hidden History in Maasailand Field evidence exposes a history of killing, abandonment and neglect and the Maasai resisting it . African Culture Zee Nxumalo Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Amapiano Rise Meet Zee Nxumalo: her age, real name, songs, awards and journey from viral covers to amapiano stardom. . African Culture Wendy Shay Biography: Age, Nursing Career, Songs & AFRIMA Win Discover Wendy Shay’s age, Ghana-Germany story, nursing career, albums, songs and awards. . African Culture Vinka Biography: Real Name, Songs, Family & Music Career Discover Vinka’s real name, family, hit songs, awards and journey from dancer to Ugandan star. . Tags African culture African culture Ethiopia Ethiopia The Suri People The Suri People

Drake surprised fans by releasing three albums at once, featuring 43 tracks and major collaborations. Canadian rapper Drake has released three full-length albums simultaneously in a surprise move that has generated major reactions across the global music industry. The projects, titled Iceman , Habibti and Maid of Honour , were released at midnight on May 15 and contain a combined 43 tracks spanning rap, R&B, dancehall and experimental music styles. Drake announced the releases during the closing moments of his “Iceman Episode 4” livestream on Thursday night. Fans had expected a single album rollout before the rapper revealed that all three projects would arrive together. Among the albums, Iceman has attracted the most attention. The 18-track project features appearances from Future , 21 Savage and Molly Santana, alongside lyrics linked to Drake’s ongoing rivalry with Kendrick Lamar following their widely discussed 2024 rap feud. Maid of Honour takes a more upbeat direction, combining dance-inspired production with collaborations involving Sexyy Red, Central Cee and Popcaan. Meanwhile, Habibti explores a softer R&B sound with contributions from PARTYNEXTDOOR. The release comes shortly after Drake achieved another Billboard milestone, becoming the first artist to have three albums spend more than 520 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart. His albums Take Care , Nothing Was the Same and Views all reached the achievement this week. Early streaming figures suggest the projects are already dominating digital platforms, with Drake reportedly occupying the top three positions on Apple Music’s US album rankings within hours of release. The triple-album rollout has sparked debate online, with some fans praising the release as a major statement in modern hip-hop while others questioned the large volume of material released at once. The projects mark Drake’s first major solo releases since For All the Dogs in 2023 and follow his collaborative 2025 project with PARTYNEXTDOOR . Source: The Sun Nigeria Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Drake Releases Three Albums in Surprise Hip-Hop Move By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home May 15, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Canadian rapper Drake has released three full-length albums simultaneously in a surprise move that has generated major reactions across the global music industry. The projects, titled Iceman , Habibti and Maid of Honour , were released at midnight on May 15 and contain a combined 43 tracks spanning rap, R&B, dancehall and experimental music styles. Drake announced the releases during the closing moments of his “Iceman Episode 4” livestream on Thursday night. Fans had expected a single album rollout before the rapper revealed that all three projects would arrive together. ADVERTISEMENT Among the albums, Iceman has attracted the most attention. The 18-track project features appearances from Future , 21 Savage and Molly Santana, alongside lyrics linked to Drake’s ongoing rivalry with Kendrick Lamar following their widely discussed 2024 rap feud. Maid of Honour takes a more upbeat direction, combining dance-inspired production with collaborations involving Sexyy Red, Central Cee and Popcaan. Meanwhile, Habibti explores a softer R&B sound with contributions from PARTYNEXTDOOR. ADVERTISEMENT The release comes shortly after Drake achieved another Billboard milestone, becoming the first artist to have three albums spend more than 520 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart. His albums Take Care , Nothing Was the Same and Views all reached the achievement this week. Early streaming figures suggest the projects are already dominating digital platforms, with Drake reportedly occupying the top three positions on Apple Music’s US album rankings within hours of release. The triple-album rollout has sparked debate online, with some fans praising the release as a major statement in modern hip-hop while others questioned the large volume of material released at once. ADVERTISEMENT The projects mark Drake’s first major solo releases since For All the Dogs in 2023 and follow his collaborative 2025 project with PARTYNEXTDOOR . Source: The Sun Nigeria TRENDING NOW Master P Faces Son Mercy Miller in College Basketball Clash . Entertainment Taylor Swift’s ‘End of an Era’ Docuseries Moves Fans to Tears . Entertainment Kim Kardashian Faces Setback as Mentor Discusses Bar Exam Effort . Entertainment U.S. Vows to Hold Rwanda, M23 Accountable for Congo War Crimes . Washington Peace Accord POPULAR TODAY Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . Entertainment Jub Jub Arrest Warrant Issued After Missed Court Appearance . Entertainment Black Coffee Wins R7 Million Court Battle Against Maserati . Entertainment Funke Akindele Faces Mixed Reactions Over Birthday Post . ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE 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. . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto FOLA earned 10 nominations as The Headies prepares its October ceremony in Toronto . Entertainment Jub Jub Arrest Warrant Issued After Missed Court Appearance The warrant was held over after Jub Jub missed court citing illness and will not be enforced yet. . Entertainment Black Coffee Wins R7 Million Court Battle Against Maserati The High Court ordered Maserati to repay Soulistic Music over an undelivered customised MC20 Cielo. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment United States United States

Dominic Nwuzoru, who managed the late renowned Nollywood star John Okafor, widely known as Mr. Ibu, shared that the actor was immensely popular in nations such as Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Gambia, Gabon, and Botswana during his lifetime. Nwuzoru highlighted that Mr. Ibu was a fervent patriot who frequently displayed the Nigerian flag as a gesture of his national pride and contributed to fostering peace and unity across the African continent through his comedic work. In a conversation with the Nigerian News Agency (NAN) in Abuja on a Sunday, Nwuzoru recounted how Mr. Ibu's influence led to accolades and acknowledgments from various African authorities and communities. He emphasized the actor's role in portraying Nigeria positively worldwide, especially in regions that had been exposed to unfavorable stories about the country. Nwuzoru recalled a memorable incident in Ghana where Mr. Ibu's performance brought together two conflicting tribes, leading to his conferment with the Chieftaincy title 'Malangula I of Tamale Land', symbolizing a peacemaker, with Nwuzoru being named 'Ngulala', the spokesperson for the peacemaker. "In Botswana, he proudly carried the Nigerian flag upon arrival, countering the negative perceptions about Nigeria prevalent at the time," Nwuzoru noted, praising Mr. Ibu's ability to unite Africans and command respect akin to a revered leader across the continent. Describing Mr. Ibu as more than an actor, Nwuzoru reflected on their bond that evolved from a professional agreement in 2004 into a deep friendship. He detailed their arrangement that allowed Mr. Ibu to engage freely in Nigerian cinema while Nwuzoru handled international showbiz engagements. He shared experiences of their travels across Africa, where Mr. Ibu's fame was evident through the enthusiastic welcome from fans at airports, underlining the actor's significant impact beyond Nigeria's borders. Nwuzoru also mentioned the universal appeal Mr. Ibu had, even among children in countries like Ghana, attributing it to his genuineness and unique style. Mr. Ibu's influence, according to Nwuzoru, extended beyond entertainment, attracting interest in Nigeria from people worldwide, including the Caribbean. The celebrated actor, Mr. Ibu, passed away at the age of 62. He was born on October 17, 1961, in the Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Mar 10, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Mr Ibu, an Icon who consistently held the Nigerian flag high as a testament to his patriotism. Image/wikilife Dominic Nwuzoru, who managed the late renowned Nollywood star John Okafor, widely known as Mr. Ibu, shared that the actor was immensely popular in nations such as Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Gambia, Gabon, and Botswana during his lifetime. Nwuzoru highlighted that Mr. Ibu was a fervent patriot who frequently displayed the Nigerian flag as a gesture of his national pride and contributed to fostering peace and unity across the African continent through his comedic work. ADVERTISEMENT In a conversation with the Nigerian News Agency (NAN) in Abuja on a Sunday, Nwuzoru recounted how Mr. Ibu's influence led to accolades and acknowledgments from various African authorities and communities. He emphasized the actor's role in portraying Nigeria positively worldwide, especially in regions that had been exposed to unfavorable stories about the country. Nwuzoru recalled a memorable incident in Ghana where Mr. Ibu's performance brought together two conflicting tribes, leading to his conferment with the Chieftaincy title 'Malangula I of Tamale Land', symbolizing a peacemaker, with Nwuzoru being named 'Ngulala', the spokesperson for the peacemaker. ADVERTISEMENT "In Botswana, he proudly carried the Nigerian flag upon arrival, countering the negative perceptions about Nigeria prevalent at the time," Nwuzoru noted, praising Mr. Ibu's ability to unite Africans and command respect akin to a revered leader across the continent. Describing Mr. Ibu as more than an actor, Nwuzoru reflected on their bond that evolved from a professional agreement in 2004 into a deep friendship. He detailed their arrangement that allowed Mr. Ibu to engage freely in Nigerian cinema while Nwuzoru handled international showbiz engagements. He shared experiences of their travels across Africa, where Mr. Ibu's fame was evident through the enthusiastic welcome from fans at airports, underlining the actor's significant impact beyond Nigeria's borders. ADVERTISEMENT Nwuzoru also mentioned the universal appeal Mr. Ibu had, even among children in countries like Ghana, attributing it to his genuineness and unique style. Mr. Ibu's influence, according to Nwuzoru, extended beyond entertainment, attracting interest in Nigeria from people worldwide, including the Caribbean. The celebrated actor, Mr. Ibu, passed away at the age of 62. He was born on October 17, 1961, in the Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . 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DRC and Tanzania agreed to deepen cooperation on critical minerals, trade, energy, transport and security during Tshisekedi’s visit to Zanzibar. ZANZIBAR, Tanzania — August 18, 2026 — The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania have agreed to deepen cooperation across critical minerals, transport infrastructure, energy, agriculture, digital connectivity, trade and regional security, following President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo’s official visit to Tanzania on August 17–18. President Tshisekedi and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan held bilateral talks at State House in Zanzibar on Tuesday, where the two leaders agreed on measures aimed at strengthening economic integration and opening new opportunities for businesses and communities in both countries. DRC and Tanzania Agree on Strategic Minerals Partnership One of the most significant outcomes was an agreement to establish a Strategic Partnership on Minerals. The partnership will cover critical minerals, geological data, mineral processing, value addition and responsible investment. The two governments instructed their authorities to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding defining priority actions. Tanzania also welcomed the DRC’s interest in joining the African Minerals and Geosciences Centre (AMGC) in Dar es Salaam. The initiative could deepen cooperation between two countries occupying increasingly important positions in Africa’s critical-minerals and regional logistics landscape. Central Corridor, Kigoma and Kalemie Connectivity The two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to improving the Central Corridor, including connections through the ports of Dar es Salaam, Kigoma and Kalemie. Cooperation will cover lake transport, roads and the progressive interconnection of railway networks, subject to technical and financial studies. Continue Reading Full Article PRESS RELEASE DRC and Tanzania Open New Chapter in Strategic Partnership By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Aug 18, 2026 Aug 19, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: ZANZIBAR, Tanzania — August 18, 2026 — The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania have agreed to deepen cooperation across critical minerals, transport infrastructure, energy, agriculture, digital connectivity, trade and regional security, following President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo’s official visit to Tanzania on August 17–18. President Tshisekedi and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan held bilateral talks at State House in Zanzibar on Tuesday, where the two leaders agreed on measures aimed at strengthening economic integration and opening new opportunities for businesses and communities in both countries. DRC and Tanzania Agree on Strategic Minerals Partnership One of the most significant outcomes was an agreement to establish a Strategic Partnership on Minerals. The partnership will cover critical minerals, geological data, mineral processing, value addition and responsible investment. The two governments instructed their authorities to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding defining priority actions. Tanzania also welcomed the DRC’s interest in joining the African Minerals and Geosciences Centre (AMGC) in Dar es Salaam. The initiative could deepen cooperation between two countries occupying increasingly important positions in Africa’s critical-minerals and regional logistics landscape. Central Corridor, Kigoma and Kalemie Connectivity The two presidents reaffirmed their commitment to improving the Central Corridor, including connections through the ports of Dar es Salaam, Kigoma and Kalemie. ADVERTISEMENT Cooperation will cover lake transport, roads and the progressive interconnection of railway networks, subject to technical and financial studies. This could strengthen the DRC’s access to Tanzania’s transport infrastructure and provide additional routes linking Congolese production centres with international markets. The governments also welcomed progress toward establishing a cross-border fibre-optic connection between Kigoma and Kalemie, calling for the remaining technical, regulatory and security arrangements to be completed. Energy Cooperation Could Expand Kinshasa and Dodoma will also assess cooperation in oil and gas exploration, transportation, storage and refining, alongside electricity interconnection and renewable energy. The two countries agreed to explore potential synergies with regional infrastructure, including EACOP and TAZAMA, where technically and economically viable. Agriculture, Trade and Private Investment The partnership will extend to agricultural mechanisation, irrigation, fisheries, aquaculture, livestock improvement, agro-processing, storage, agricultural finance and food security. ADVERTISEMENT The presidents also agreed to reinvigorate the Joint Permanent Commission, which will serve as the central mechanism for monitoring bilateral cooperation. Its economic and trade component is expected to meet annually at ministerial level to address non-tariff barriers, customs and transit constraints and encourage greater private-sector participation. Both governments also committed to making greater use of the African Continental Free Trade Area, SADC Free Trade Area and East African Community Common Market. Tanzania Backs DRC Sovereignty and Withdrawal of Foreign Forces Peace and security in eastern Congo featured prominently in the talks. The joint communiqué reaffirmed support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity of the DRC and called for implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including the cessation of hostilities and withdrawal of foreign forces from Congolese territory. The leaders simultaneously supported efforts to neutralise armed groups, including the FDLR , through disarmament, demobilisation, repatriation or reintegration alongside accountability and transitional justice. ADVERTISEMENT They also backed the Washington and Doha peace processes and agreed to strengthen cooperation against the illegal exploitation and trafficking of natural resources. A New Chapter in DRC–Tanzania Relations President Samia congratulated the DRC on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2026–2027, while President Tshisekedi reaffirmed Congo’s support for Tanzania’s candidature for the 2029–2030 term. The two leaders described the visit as opening “a new chapter in the strategic partnership” between their countries. President Tshisekedi subsequently invited President Samia to make an official visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo at a mutually agreed date. The invitation was accepted. The joint communiqué was issued in Zanzibar on August 18, 2026, in English and French, with both texts considered equally authoritative. TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY PRESS RELEASE DRC and Tanzania Open New Chapter in Strategic Partnership . Opposition Politics Rwandan Opposition Launches Coalition to Challenge Kagame . PRESS RELEASE Debora Kayembe Calls for Bold Steps Ahead of DRC National Dialogue . PRESS RELEASE DRC Condemns Forced Civilian Marches Under Rwandan Occupation . Washington Peace Accord Congo Condemns Rwanda for Violating Trump-Brokered Peace Accord . ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE PRESS RELEASE DRC and Tanzania Open New Chapter in Strategic Partnership Tshisekedi and Samia agree to deepen cooperation on minerals, transport, energy and security. . Opposition Politics Rwandan Opposition Launches Coalition to Challenge Kagame 100 Rwandan opposition leaders unite under ROC to challenge Kagame’s regime . PRESS RELEASE Debora Kayembe Calls for Bold Steps Ahead of DRC National Dialogue Kayembe urges amnesty, co-mediation and trust to ensure inclusive dialogue success. . PRESS RELEASE DRC Condemns Forced Civilian Marches Under Rwandan Occupation Kinshasa denounces forced marches imposed on civilians by M23 and Rwandan forces, . Tags PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE DR.Congo DR.Congo Tanzania Tanzania Felix Tshisekedi Felix Tshisekedi

This meeting underscored the ongoing collaboration between the Ugandan government and TotalEnergies on the ambitious Tilenga project. During the visit, Terraz, who had just toured the Tilenga oil exploration sites, updated President Museveni on the project's progress. He highlighted the efficient advancement of drilling and pipeline construction, crucial components of the project. "The drilling and pipeline activities are going on very well," Terraz reported, indicating robust progress in these critical areas. One of the key points discussed was the project's substantial impact on local employment. Currently, the Tilenga project employs over 8,000 Ugandans, significantly contributing to local economic growth. This aligns with TotalEnergies' commitment to enhancing community welfare through job creation. President Museveni expressed strong support for the project, recognizing its potential to boost Uganda's economy. He assured Terraz of the government's continued backing, which is pivotal for the project's success. "I am confident that the Tilenga project will yield positive results for both Uganda and TotalEnergies," Museveni stated, emphasizing the strategic importance of this initiative. The meeting also included other high-ranking executives from TotalEnergies, such as Senior Vice President for Africa Mike Sangster, General Manager of TotalEnergies EP Uganda Philippe Groueix, Managing Director EACOP Martin Tiffen, and Deputy General Manager Mariam Nampeera. Ugandan Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa and Finance Minister Matia Kasaijja were also in attendance, highlighting the project's high-level engagement. The Tilenga project encompasses the development of six oil fields and the drilling of approximately 400 wells across 31 locations. The extracted oil will be transported to Tanzania's port of Tanga via a 1,443 km underground pipeline, marking a significant logistical undertaking. This strategic partnership between Uganda and TotalEnergies not only aims to harness natural resources for economic growth but also focuses on sustainable practices and local community benefits, setting a benchmark for future energy projects in the region. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Apr 22, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni recently met with Nicolas Terraz, President of Exploration and Production at TotalEnergies, at the State House in Entebbe, Uganda. This meeting underscored the ongoing collaboration between the Ugandan government and TotalEnergies on the ambitious Tilenga project. During the visit, Terraz, who had just toured the Tilenga oil exploration sites, updated President Museveni on the project's progress. He highlighted the efficient advancement of drilling and pipeline construction, crucial components of the project. "The drilling and pipeline activities are going on very well," Terraz reported, indicating robust progress in these critical areas. One of the key points discussed was the project's substantial impact on local employment. Currently, the Tilenga project employs over 8,000 Ugandans, significantly contributing to local economic growth. This aligns with TotalEnergies' commitment to enhancing community welfare through job creation. ADVERTISEMENT President Museveni expressed strong support for the project, recognizing its potential to boost Uganda's economy. He assured Terraz of the government's continued backing, which is pivotal for the project's success. "I am confident that the Tilenga project will yield positive results for both Uganda and TotalEnergies," Museveni stated, emphasizing the strategic importance of this initiative. The meeting also included other high-ranking executives from TotalEnergies, such as Senior Vice President for Africa Mike Sangster, General Manager of TotalEnergies EP Uganda Philippe Groueix, Managing Director EACOP Martin Tiffen, and Deputy General Manager Mariam Nampeera. Ugandan Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa and Finance Minister Matia Kasaijja were also in attendance, highlighting the project's high-level engagement. ADVERTISEMENT The Tilenga project encompasses the development of six oil fields and the drilling of approximately 400 wells across 31 locations. The extracted oil will be transported to Tanzania's port of Tanga via a 1,443 km underground pipeline, marking a significant logistical undertaking. This strategic partnership between Uganda and TotalEnergies not only aims to harness natural resources for economic growth but also focuses on sustainable practices and local community benefits, setting a benchmark for future energy projects in the region. ADVERTISEMENT TRENDING NOW How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Tax and Revenue Niger TV Shows Soldiers Detained After Niamey Mutiny . Justice & Crime KAA Warns of Flight Delays at Kenyan Airports . Transport and Airlines POPULAR TODAY ADVERTISEMENT RELATED ARTICLE Tags