Themba Gorimbo’s story is one of the most remarkable in the world of sports. The 33-year-old UFC welterweight fighter has traveled a path few can imagine, transforming from a diamond thief in Zimbabwe to an inspiring athlete in the UFC. From Zimbabwe’s Diamond Mines to the UFC Born into adversity, Gorimbo’s journey has been anything but easy. Losing both parents by the age of 13, he found himself alone and struggling to survive. The Marange diamond fields, notorious for crime and danger, became his refuge. “It’s not like the mafia we see on TV, but in Zimbabwe, any place with minerals brings bad people,” Gorimbo told BBC Sport. “I’m not shy to say I was stealing diamonds and smuggling them. It was normal then.” A Life of Constant Struggle Gorimbo’s life was a constant battle. He often faced the police, endured attacks from guard dogs, and bore the scars of these encounters. At 17, he found a 12-carat diamond and seized the opportunity to move to South Africa, hoping to work as a gardener. However, his journey was fraught with difficulties, including deportation and even being held hostage. Discovering MMA and Finding a New Path In South Africa, Gorimbo discovered mixed martial arts (MMA) after watching the film Never Back Down . Despite financial struggles, he trained hard, even when it meant spending almost his entire daily wage on gym fees. His dedication paid off when his coach allowed him to train for free, recognizing his potential. Rising Through the Ranks Gorimbo had his first amateur fight in 2010 and turned professional in 2013. His UFC debut in February 2023 did not go as planned, but he bounced back, securing a unanimous decision win against Takashi Sato despite battling illness and financial hardship. His honesty about his struggles, including posting an image of his nearly empty bank account, caught the attention of WWE superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. A Life-Changing Encounter Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment May 19, 2024 May 15, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Themba Gorimbo’s story is one of the most remarkable in the world of sports. The 33-year-old UFC welterweight fighter has traveled a path few can imagine, transforming from a diamond thief in Zimbabwe to an inspiring athlete in the UFC. From Zimbabwe’s Diamond Mines to the UFC Born into adversity, Gorimbo’s journey has been anything but easy. Losing both parents by the age of 13, he found himself alone and struggling to survive. The Marange diamond fields, notorious for crime and danger, became his refuge. “It’s not like the mafia we see on TV, but in Zimbabwe, any place with minerals brings bad people,” Gorimbo told BBC Sport. “I’m not shy to say I was stealing diamonds and smuggling them. It was normal then.” A Life of Constant Struggle Gorimbo’s life was a constant battle. He often faced the police, endured attacks from guard dogs, and bore the scars of these encounters. At 17, he found a 12-carat diamond and seized the opportunity to move to South Africa, hoping to work as a gardener. However, his journey was fraught with difficulties, including deportation and even being held hostage. ADVERTISEMENT Discovering MMA and Finding a New Path In South Africa, Gorimbo discovered mixed martial arts (MMA) after watching the film Never Back Down . Despite financial struggles, he trained hard, even when it meant spending almost his entire daily wage on gym fees. His dedication paid off when his coach allowed him to train for free, recognizing his potential. Rising Through the Ranks Gorimbo had his first amateur fight in 2010 and turned professional in 2013. His UFC debut in February 2023 did not go as planned, but he bounced back, securing a unanimous decision win against Takashi Sato despite battling illness and financial hardship. His honesty about his struggles, including posting an image of his nearly empty bank account, caught the attention of WWE superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. A Life-Changing Encounter Moved by Gorimbo’s story, Johnson, who once had only $7 to his name, made a surprise visit to Gorimbo and gifted him a house in Miami, Florida. This act of generosity was more than just charity; it was a recognition of Gorimbo’s resilience and potential. ADVERTISEMENT Giving Back to the Community Gorimbo’s success has not made him forget his roots. He is currently building a library in Zimbabwe and working on projects to provide clean water to his village. “These things that I’m doing, like now I’m in the process of building a library, it’s just something I enjoy doing, helping where I can with what I have, ” Gorimbo said. “When I’m happy, I’m dangerous as a fighter.” Inspiring the Next Generation Gorimbo’s main goal, besides becoming a UFC champion, is to inspire African children facing similar hardships. “If you choose a path and work your ass off, then you can become anything,” he said. 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 His journey from the harsh realities of Zimbabwe’s diamond fields to the global stage of the UFC is a testament to this belief. As Gorimbo prepares for his next fight against Ramiz Brahimaj on May 18 in Las Vegas, he carries with him not just the hopes of a career in the UFC, but the dreams of countless others who see in him a symbol of hope and resilience. “Everything that happened in my life led me to be who I am right now,” Gorimbo reflects. His story, filled with struggle and triumph, is a powerful reminder that with determination and hard work, anything is possible. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

Afropop singer Joeboy recently shared his thoughts following rap artist Blaqbonez's bold statement on social media, where Blaqbonez claimed to have one of the best music catalogues in the industry, with only a few top Nigerian artists possibly outdoing him. Blaqbonez, known as the 'Best Rapper In Africa,' expressed his opinion on his X (formerly Twitter) page, saying, "Asides the big 3 or 4 or whatever number u guys currently recognize, NOBODY, I repeat NOBODY has a better catalogue than me." This was in response to criticism of his earlier remark that the two songs he released this year were superior to all other Afrobeats songs released in the same period. Blaqbonez had lamented the quality of recent releases, stating, "I’ve only added 2 songs on my rotation this year, and it’s been 3 months, most releases have been ass, I don’t even bother to play the top 100 again, cos that one is designed by farmers . " A critic challenged Blaqbonez's assertion, commenting on the lack of a single song that could validate his claims. In his defense, Blaqbonez reiterated his position, emphasizing that apart from the "big 3 or 4" artists in Nigeria—implying Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Olamide—no one else's catalogue compares to his. Joeboy's reaction to Blaqbonez's claim was to quote the tweet with a meme of the late pop star Michael Jackson , telling someone to " calm down ," suggesting that Blaqbonez might be overestimating his achievements. Blaqbonez, seemingly unamused by Joeboy's response, retweeted an old post from Burna Boy that hinted at Reekado Banks not being a "worthy challenger," implying that Joeboy, too, might not be on par with the standards he was setting. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 13, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Blaqbonez(on the right), Who Claims Superiority in Music Catalogue Over Joeboy and so Many Other Nigerian Music Icons Afropop singer Joeboy recently shared his thoughts following rap artist Blaqbonez's bold statement on social media, where Blaqbonez claimed to have one of the best music catalogues in the industry, with only a few top Nigerian artists possibly outdoing him. Blaqbonez, known as the 'Best Rapper In Africa,' expressed his opinion on his X (formerly Twitter) page, saying, "Asides the big 3 or 4 or whatever number u guys currently recognize, NOBODY, I repeat NOBODY has a better catalogue than me." This was in response to criticism of his earlier remark that the two songs he released this year were superior to all other Afrobeats songs released in the same period. Blaqbonez had lamented the quality of recent releases, stating, "I’ve only added 2 songs on my rotation this year, and it’s been 3 months, most releases have been ass, I don’t even bother to play the top 100 again, cos that one is designed by farmers . " A critic challenged Blaqbonez's assertion, commenting on the lack of a single song that could validate his claims. In his defense, Blaqbonez reiterated his position, emphasizing that apart from the "big 3 or 4" artists in Nigeria—implying Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Olamide—no one else's catalogue compares to his. ADVERTISEMENT Joeboy's reaction to Blaqbonez's claim was to quote the tweet with a meme of the late pop star Michael Jackson , telling someone to " calm down ," suggesting that Blaqbonez might be overestimating his achievements. Blaqbonez, seemingly unamused by Joeboy's response, retweeted an old post from Burna Boy that hinted at Reekado Banks not being a "worthy challenger," implying that Joeboy, too, might not be on par with the standards he was setting. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

In a noteworthy development in African football, Uganda continues to lead the pack in the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) Zone according to the recent FIFA rankings unveiled this Thursday. With a stable position at 92nd globally, Uganda boasts 124.15 points, securing its 19th place in the African continent's football hierarchy. Despite facing a challenging phase with a 4-0 loss to Comoros and a 2-2 stalemate against Ghana in friendly matches held in Marrakech, Morocco, last month, Uganda's football team has managed to maintain its standing. These matches, critical for assessing team dynamics and strategies, did not impact Uganda's prestigious position in the Cecafa Zone or its global ranking. Argentina continues to lead the global rankings with a commanding 1,858 points, showcasing the country's football excellence. On the African front, Morocco, despite a slight drop, remains the highest-ranked team on the continent, now standing at 13th with 1,661.42 points. In the Cecafa Zone, following Uganda closely is Kenya, which has seen a remarkable rise in the FIFA rankings. Climbing four spots to secure the 107th position globally, Kenya now has 1,191.24 points. This ascent is attributed to the Harambee Starlets' impressive performance in the Four-Nation tournament in Malawi, where they clinched victories against Malawi and Zimbabwe. Tanzania and Sudan are also key players in the Cecafa Zone, holding their ground in the FIFA rankings at 119th and 127th places, respectively. These rankings reflect the competitive spirit and the evolving football landscape in the East and Central African region. The Cecafa Zone, a vibrant football community, comprises 12 member countries: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Djibouti, Somalia, Eritrea, and the Caf Associate member Zanzibar. This region is known for its passionate embrace of football, fostering talent that competes on both continental and global stages. As the football community digests these rankings, the focus remains on how teams from the Cecafa Zone will leverage this benchmark to enhance their performance in upcoming international engagements. The rankings not only reflect the current state of football prowess in the region but also set the stage for future aspirations and achievements in the beautiful game . Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Apr 5, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: In a noteworthy development in African football, Uganda continues to lead the pack in the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) Zone according to the recent FIFA rankings unveiled this Thursday. With a stable position at 92nd globally, Uganda boasts 124.15 points, securing its 19th place in the African continent's football hierarchy. Despite facing a challenging phase with a 4-0 loss to Comoros and a 2-2 stalemate against Ghana in friendly matches held in Marrakech, Morocco, last month, Uganda's football team has managed to maintain its standing. These matches, critical for assessing team dynamics and strategies, did not impact Uganda's prestigious position in the Cecafa Zone or its global ranking. ADVERTISEMENT Argentina continues to lead the global rankings with a commanding 1,858 points, showcasing the country's football excellence. On the African front, Morocco, despite a slight drop, remains the highest-ranked team on the continent, now standing at 13th with 1,661.42 points. In the Cecafa Zone, following Uganda closely is Kenya, which has seen a remarkable rise in the FIFA rankings. Climbing four spots to secure the 107th position globally, Kenya now has 1,191.24 points. This ascent is attributed to the Harambee Starlets' impressive performance in the Four-Nation tournament in Malawi, where they clinched victories against Malawi and Zimbabwe. ADVERTISEMENT Tanzania and Sudan are also key players in the Cecafa Zone, holding their ground in the FIFA rankings at 119th and 127th places, respectively. These rankings reflect the competitive spirit and the evolving football landscape in the East and Central African region. The Cecafa Zone, a vibrant football community, comprises 12 member countries: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Djibouti, Somalia, Eritrea, and the Caf Associate member Zanzibar. This region is known for its passionate embrace of football, fostering talent that competes on both continental and global stages. As the football community digests these rankings, the focus remains on how teams from the Cecafa Zone will leverage this benchmark to enhance their performance in upcoming international engagements. The rankings not only reflect the current state of football prowess in the region but also set the stage for future aspirations and achievements in the beautiful game . 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

Guinea’s military junta sets 2025 election dates amid criticism over political repression and concerns about the credibility of its transition to civilian rule. Guinea’s military government, which seized power in September 2021 under Gen. Mamady Doumbouya, has unveiled key institutions and a timeline for returning to civilian rule, though rights groups remain skeptical. The regime has created a Directorate General of Elections (DGE) to oversee a constitutional referendum scheduled for September 21, 2025, followed by legislative and presidential elections in December 2025. The DGE will manage voter registration, ensure electoral fairness, and liaise with regional and international electoral bodies. However, its two leadership positions will be filled directly by presidential decree, raising concerns about independence. The junta initially pledged a civilian transition by December 31, 2024, but missed the deadline, sparking nationwide protests and prompting criticism of its credibility. Although Doumbouya later promised a referendum and election in 2025, logistics remain vague. Since taking power, the junta has dissolved more than 50 political parties, claiming to “clean up the political chessboard”, and imposed restrictive media controls. Independent outlets and social networks have repeatedly faced shutdowns, while journalists and opposition figures report harassment and arrests . The Guardian elaborates that posters of Doumbouya line Conakry's streets alongside a broader crackdown on dissent, with key activists missing or detained. A draft of the new constitution, unveiled in July 2024, could enable Doumbouya to run in the upcoming elections. Observers fear the referendum may erode existing limits or entrench military influence. Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah emphasized the transition timeline while appealing for investor confidence, particularly citing progress on the Simandou iron-ore project and a promise of its first train before the elections. With Guinea among the West African nations that have experienced coups in recent years, regional bodies like ECOWAS and the African Union are closely watching developments. The stance of these groups regarding the election process and constitutional rewrite could significantly impact Guinea’s legitimacy and integration. By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Jun 15, 2025 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Guinea’s military government, which seized power in September 2021 under Gen. Mamady Doumbouya, has unveiled key institutions and a timeline for returning to civilian rule, though rights groups remain skeptical. The regime has created a Directorate General of Elections (DGE) to oversee a constitutional referendum scheduled for September 21, 2025, followed by legislative and presidential elections in December 2025. The DGE will manage voter registration, ensure electoral fairness, and liaise with regional and international electoral bodies. However, its two leadership positions will be filled directly by presidential decree, raising concerns about independence. ADVERTISEMENT The junta initially pledged a civilian transition by December 31, 2024, but missed the deadline, sparking nationwide protests and prompting criticism of its credibility. Although Doumbouya later promised a referendum and election in 2025, logistics remain vague. Since taking power, the junta has dissolved more than 50 political parties, claiming to “clean up the political chessboard”, and imposed restrictive media controls. Independent outlets and social networks have repeatedly faced shutdowns, while journalists and opposition figures report harassment and arrests . ADVERTISEMENT The Guardian elaborates that posters of Doumbouya line Conakry's streets alongside a broader crackdown on dissent, with key activists missing or detained. A draft of the new constitution, unveiled in July 2024, could enable Doumbouya to run in the upcoming elections. Observers fear the referendum may erode existing limits or entrench military influence. Trending Now Guinea Landfill Landslide Kills 30 as Search Continues . Natural Disasters What Is Noradala? Guinea’s Ancient Fishing Festival Explained . African Culture Mamady Doumbouya takes oath as Guinea’s civilian president . Politics & Diplomacy Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors Granted Guinean Citizenship . Entertainment Buzz Popular Today Natural Disasters Guinea Landfill Landslide Kills 30 as Search Continues . African Culture What Is Noradala? Guinea’s Ancient Fishing Festival Explained . Politics & Diplomacy Mamady Doumbouya takes oath as Guinea’s civilian president . Entertainment Buzz Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors Granted Guinean Citizenship . . ADVERTISEMENT Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah emphasized the transition timeline while appealing for investor confidence, particularly citing progress on the Simandou iron-ore project and a promise of its first train before the elections. With Guinea among the West African nations that have experienced coups in recent years, regional bodies like ECOWAS and the African Union are closely watching developments. The stance of these groups regarding the election process and constitutional rewrite could significantly impact Guinea’s legitimacy and integration. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Natural Disasters Guinea Landfill Landslide Kills 30 as Search Continues Rescuers are searching for survivors after a massive waste collapse buried homes in Conakry. . African Culture What Is Noradala? Guinea’s Ancient Fishing Festival Explained A 700-year-old fishing festival celebrating Manding culture and community unity. . Politics & Diplomacy Mamady Doumbouya takes oath as Guinea’s civilian president Junta leader takes oath under new seven-year constitution after disputed election . Entertainment Buzz Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors Granted Guinean Citizenship Hollywood stars receive Guinean nationality after DNA tests traced their African ancestry. . Tags Guinea Guinea Elections & Democracy Elections & Democracy Military & Security Military & Security

This analysis examines how Tshisekedi leveraged U.S., UN, and economic tools to narrow Rwanda’s regional influence Introduction: A Shifting Landscape in the Great Lakes The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have long been locked in a cycle of insecurity. Since the late‐1990s Rwandan troops have justified incursions into eastern Congo as necessary to pursue ex‑Rwandan Hutu militias, while Congolese leaders accuse Kigali of sponsoring rebellions to extract minerals. President Félix Tshisekedi’s term has coincided with the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23), an armed group originally made up of Congolese Tutsi rebels. M23’s battlefield gains in 2024-25, widely attributed by United Nations experts to systematic support from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and advanced Rwandan military technology , brought Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira to the brink. Facing a stronger Rwanda‑backed insurgency, Kinshasa has chosen diplomatic pressure and global partnerships rather than direct talks with M23. This article examines how Tshisekedi has narrowed Rwanda’s diplomatic space – through U.S. and UN pressure, refusal to legitimise rebels, soft‑power contests and economic realignment – and asks whether this strategy is approaching an endgame. U.S. Policy Recalibration: Sanctions and Warnings Washington has long maintained security cooperation with Rwanda while funding peacekeeping in the DRC. In recent years, however, U.S. policy has shifted. In 2023, Rwanda was placed on the Child Soldiers Prevention Act list because the United States concluded that Kigali supported M23, which recruits child soldiers, triggering restrictions on security assistance . Over the past two years, the U.S. has imposed targeted sanctions on M23 commanders and Rwandan officials, including M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma (December 2023) and deputy commander Bernard Byamungu (August 2023). In February 2025, the State Department went further, sanctioning Rwanda’s minister of state for regional integration, James Kabareb,e and M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka. The statement described M23 as “Rwanda‑backed” and noted that the group’s offensives had seized territory and threatened civilians; Washington called on Rwanda to withdraw its forces and end support for M23 . U.S. diplomats reinforced these measures at the United Nations. In October 2023, the U.S. representative reminded the Security Council that Rwanda had been listed under the Child Soldiers Prevention Act and urged Kigali to stop supporting M23 . After M23’s lightning offensive on the strategic city of Uvira in December 2025, U.S. ambassador Mike Waltz warned that Kigali was violating a U.S.‑brokered peace agreement, noting that more than 400 civilians had been killed and that Rwandan special forces were in Uvira; he vowed that the United States would use “the tools at our disposal” to hold spoilers accountable. Such remarks signalled that Washington was prepared to expand sanctions or curb aid if Rwanda continued to flout ceasefire commitments. This policy recalibration contrasts with earlier U.S. ambivalence and undercuts Rwanda’s image as a reliable security partner. UN Scrutiny and Resolutions The UN Security Council has increasingly framed the conflict around sovereignty rather than rebel grievances. Resolution 2773, adopted in February 2025, condemned M23’s offensives, demanded that the group cease hostilities and withdraw from occupied areas, called on the RDF to immediately withdraw from Congolese territory without preconditions, and urged Kinshasa and Kigali to resume diplomatic talks . By explicitly naming Rwanda’s support to M23, the resolution shifted the narrative from a “Tutsi rebel grievance” to an inter‑state violation of sovereignty. Meanwhile, the UN Group of Experts reports have provided detailed evidence of Rwanda’s involvement. The 2024 mid‑term report concluded that a ceasefire failed because the M23‑AFC coalition was “ systematically supported by the Rwanda Defence Force”, which provided advanced military technology to ensure the rebels’ dominance. The report documented the capture of the coltan‑rich Rubaya mine and the export of 150 tonnes of coltan to Rwanda, highlighting how the insurgency feeds regional smuggling networks. It also noted that a proposed concept of operations (CONOPS) to neutralise the FDLR and disengage Rwandan forces faltered because of mutual mistrust between Kinshasa and Kigali. Such findings bolstered Tshisekedi’s diplomatic arguments that Rwanda, not M23 grievances, is the engine of instability. Continue Reading Full Article | ANALYSIS & OPINION The Endgame? How Tshisekedi Has Narrowed Kagame’s Diplomatic Space By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Feb 18, 2026 May 15, 2026 9 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Introduction: A Shifting Landscape in the Great Lakes The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have long been locked in a cycle of insecurity. Since the late‐1990s Rwandan troops have justified incursions into eastern Congo as necessary to pursue ex‑Rwandan Hutu militias, while Congolese leaders accuse Kigali of sponsoring rebellions to extract minerals. President Félix Tshisekedi’s term has coincided with the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23), an armed group originally made up of Congolese Tutsi rebels. M23’s battlefield gains in 2024-25, widely attributed by United Nations experts to systematic support from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and advanced Rwandan military technology , brought Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira to the brink. Facing a stronger Rwanda‑backed insurgency, Kinshasa has chosen diplomatic pressure and global partnerships rather than direct talks with M23. This article examines how Tshisekedi has narrowed Rwanda’s diplomatic space – through U.S. and UN pressure, refusal to legitimise rebels, soft‑power contests and economic realignment – and asks whether this strategy is approaching an endgame. U.S. Policy Recalibration: Sanctions and Warnings Washington has long maintained security cooperation with Rwanda while funding peacekeeping in the DRC. In recent years, however, U.S. policy has shifted. In 2023, Rwanda was placed on the Child Soldiers Prevention Act list because the United States concluded that Kigali supported M23, which recruits child soldiers, triggering restrictions on security assistance . Over the past two years, the U.S. has imposed targeted sanctions on M23 commanders and Rwandan officials, including M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma (December 2023) and deputy commander Bernard Byamungu (August 2023). In February 2025, the State Department went further, sanctioning Rwanda’s minister of state for regional integration, James Kabareb,e and M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka. The statement described M23 as “Rwanda‑backed” and noted that the group’s offensives had seized territory and threatened civilians; Washington called on Rwanda to withdraw its forces and end support for M23 . U.S. diplomats reinforced these measures at the United Nations. In October 2023, the U.S. representative reminded the Security Council that Rwanda had been listed under the Child Soldiers Prevention Act and urged Kigali to stop supporting M23 . After M23’s lightning offensive on the strategic city of Uvira in December 2025, U.S. ambassador Mike Waltz warned that Kigali was violating a U.S.‑brokered peace agreement, noting that more than 400 civilians had been killed and that Rwandan special forces were in Uvira; he vowed that the United States would use “the tools at our disposal” to hold spoilers accountable. Such remarks signalled that Washington was prepared to expand sanctions or curb aid if Rwanda continued to flout ceasefire commitments. This policy recalibration contrasts with earlier U.S. ambivalence and undercuts Rwanda’s image as a reliable security partner. ADVERTISEMENT UN Scrutiny and Resolutions The UN Security Council has increasingly framed the conflict around sovereignty rather than rebel grievances. Resolution 2773, adopted in February 2025, condemned M23’s offensives, demanded that the group cease hostilities and withdraw from occupied areas, called on the RDF to immediately withdraw from Congolese territory without preconditions, and urged Kinshasa and Kigali to resume diplomatic talks . By explicitly naming Rwanda’s support to M23, the resolution shifted the narrative from a “Tutsi rebel grievance” to an inter‑state violation of sovereignty. Meanwhile, the UN Group of Experts reports have provided detailed evidence of Rwanda’s involvement. The 2024 mid‑term report concluded that a ceasefire failed because the M23‑AFC coalition was “ systematically supported by the Rwanda Defence Force”, which provided advanced military technology to ensure the rebels’ dominance. The report documented the capture of the coltan‑rich Rubaya mine and the export of 150 tonnes of coltan to Rwanda, highlighting how the insurgency feeds regional smuggling networks. It also noted that a proposed concept of operations (CONOPS) to neutralise the FDLR and disengage Rwandan forces faltered because of mutual mistrust between Kinshasa and Kigali. Such findings bolstered Tshisekedi’s diplomatic arguments that Rwanda, not M23 grievances, is the engine of instability. Narrative Shift: M23 as Proxy, Not Partner Tshisekedi’s government has consistently refused to treat M23 as a legitimate interlocutor. While his predecessor Joseph Kabila negotiated the 2013 Nairobi Accord with M23, Tshisekedi declined to meet rebel leaders during the 2023–25 offensives. U.S. and UN statements echoed this posture, characterising M23 as a proxy. For instance, an official U.S. fact‑check noted that the United States had sanctioned M23 and urged Rwanda to end its support. In the mid‑term UN report, analysts described the coalition’s success as a direct result of RDF support . By framing M23 as Rwanda’s instrument rather than as a Congolese movement, Kinshasa and its partners delegitimised calls for political concessions. Rwandan officials nevertheless sought to justify cooperation with M23 on security grounds. In January 2026, Rwanda’s ambassador to Washington, Mathilde Mukantabana, acknowledged that Kigali engages in “security coordination” with the M23‑aligned Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC). She said this cooperation is meant to protect vulnerable Tutsi communities, is time‑bound and conditional, and will cease when the FDLR is neutralised. She emphasised that Rwanda does not seek to dictate DRC politics and would draw down its defensive measures once Congolese authorities address cross‑border threats. While this admission clarifies Rwanda’s rationale, it also reinforces the narrative of Rwanda’s direct involvement and gives Kinshasa grounds to insist on withdrawal. ADVERTISEMENT Refusal to Legitimize M23 Diplomatically The Washington Peace Agreement , signed in June 2025 under U.S. mediation, formalised Tshisekedi’s refusal to engage M23 as an equal. The agreement reaffirmed mutual respect for sovereignty and explicitly prohibited state support to armed groups, committing DRC and Rwanda not to conduct or condone military incursions into each other’s territory. It also endorsed a joint security coordination mechanism to implement the CONOPS for FDLR neutralisation and Rwandan disengagement, but importantly, it did not include M23 representatives. Subsequent meetings of the joint mechanism in Washington reviewed progress and emphasised the implementation of the CONOPS to neutralise the FDLR and lift Rwanda’s defensive measures. By sidelining M23, the agreement signalled that the conflict must be resolved through state‑to‑state arrangements rather than through negotiations with rebels. In December 2025, M23 captured Uvira with significant Rwandan military support, then withdrew after U.S. pressure. Analysts described the offensive as a breach of the Washington Accords and noted that the UN assessed that Rwanda maintained command and control over M23 operations. U.S. officials threatened further sanctions, and the episode underscored the fragility of the peace mechanism. Tshisekedi’s insistence that M23 be excluded from political talks remains controversial; however, the siege of Uvira and the high civilian death toll (over 400 people) make it unlikely that Kinshasa will alter its stance. Soft‑Power Contest: Francophonie Leadership Diplomatic pressure has also extended to cultural institutions. In February 2026, the DRC announced it would field a candidate to challenge Rwandan incumbent Louise Mushikiwabo for the secretary‑general position at the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). The move signalled Kinshasa’s bid to contest Rwanda’s soft‑power influence : Congolese officials criticised the paradox of an English‑speaking Commonwealth member leading the French‑language organisation and argued that the DRC, with its large francophone population, should head the OIF. Kinshasa had even considered leaving the OIF but opted instead to stay and lobby for leadership. By targeting Rwanda’s diplomatic prestige, Tshisekedi is widening the field of confrontation beyond the battlefield. 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 Politics & Diplomacy Tshisekedi Champions Peace, Jobs and Africa’s Voice in Moscow . Justice & Crime M23 → AFC → FRN: Has Anything Really Changed? . Justice & Crime Kagame's Failed Justifications for His Military Presence in the DRC . Justice & Crime From AFDL to FRN: Analysts Question Rwanda's Rebel Rebranding . Peace For DRC Now DRC Takes Rwanda Compliance Dispute to UNGA Over Resolution 2773 . ADVERTISEMENT Economic Realignment: Minerals and the Lobito Corridor Another pillar of Tshisekedi’s strategy is to deepen partnerships that bypass Rwanda’s informal mineral networks. In December 2025, the DRC andthe United States signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement to cooperate on security, critical minerals, and infrastructure. The accord identifies the Sakania–Lobito Corridor – a rail corridor linking the DRC’s copperbelt to Angola’s Atlantic port – as a priority project and commits to increasing U.S. private investment while strengthening governance in Congo’s mining sector. It aims to ensure responsible mining and local value addition so that U.S. companies gain long‑term access to critical minerals. The inaugural meeting of the partnership’s Joint Steering Committee in February 2026 designated strategic mineral assets and promised preferential access for U.S. firms. Participants underscored that peace and security are prerequisites and encouraged private investment to accelerate the Sakania–Lobito corridor. A report by the Atlantic Council notes that the Lobito Corridor has already connected Zambia and the DRC to Angola’s port and demonstrates how collaborative partnerships can unlock mineral wealth and promote regional integration. By aligning with U.S. and international investors, Kinshasa seeks to reduce reliance on supply chains that pass through Rwanda and to build leverage in diplomatic disputes. Uvira Incident and Conditional Diplomacy The Uvira offensive illustrates both the risks and the efficacy of Tshisekedi’s approach. M23’s capture of Uvira triggered fierce U.S. condemnation and threatened to derail the Washington Accords. The Guardian reported that the offensive left more than 400 people dead and that Rwandan special forces were present in the city; ambassador Waltz warned that Rwanda risked drawing the region into a broader war. Under U.S. pressure, M23 withdrew within days . Yet the incident showed that the peace mechanism still allows Rwanda to calibrate violence. Rwanda’s ambassador later justified “security coordination” with M23 as a defence against genocidal threats and insisted that coordination would end once the FDLR is dismantled. This conditional diplomacy – linking Rwanda’s disengagement to DRC’s progress against the FDLR – is built into the Washington Accord’s CONOPS. Tshisekedi must therefore balance pressure on Rwanda with credible steps to address the FDLR and other Congolese militias, lest Kigali invoke security clauses to prolong its presence. Conclusion: An Endgame By leveraging U.S. sanctions, UN resolutions, and new economic partnerships, Tshisekedi has narrowed Rwanda’s diplomatic and economic manoeuvring space. He has re‑framed M23 not as a legitimate Tutsi movement but as a Rwandan proxy; refused direct talks with rebels; challenged Rwanda’s leadership in francophone institutions; and aligned with Washington on infrastructure and mineral projects that skirt Rwandan transit routes. These moves have yielded tangible results: U.S. sanctions have targeted Rwandan officials, UN resolutions now name Rwanda as a spoiler, and M23’s withdrawal from Uvira demonstrates the leverage of coordinated pressure. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Politics & Diplomacy Tshisekedi Champions Peace, Jobs and Africa’s Voice in Moscow At the 2026 Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow, Tshisekedi calls for peace in eastern Congo... . Justice & Crime M23 → AFC → FRN: Has Anything Really Changed? XTRAfrica examines Joseph Kabila's leadership of the FRN, its continuity with AFC/M23 and ... . Justice & Crime Kagame's Failed Justifications for His Military Presence in the DRC UN findings, U.S. sanctions and the reported FRN launch raise questions about Kigali's military role . Justice & Crime From AFDL to FRN: Analysts Question Rwanda's Rebel Rebranding FRN's reported emergence in Goma revives debate over Rwanda's links to successive Congo rebellions. . Tags Featured News Featured News DR.Congo DR.Congo Paul Kagame Paul Kagame Felix Tshisekedi Felix Tshisekedi

Eric Omondi was detained in Nairobi during a campaign to reduce Kenya's counties. Here is what footage confirms and what remains unclear. Video shows officers taking the comedian-activist away as he collected signatures at the Archives. Kenyan comedian and activist Eric Omondi was detained in central Nairobi on Monday morning, 7 September 2026, while collecting signatures for a campaign proposing major changes to the country's political structure. Footage published by Kenyan outlets shows plain-clothes officers handcuffing Omondi near the Kenya National Archives and placing him in a vehicle. Why was Eric Omondi detained in Nairobi? Public footage confirms that officers detained him during his signature drive, but no official police statement had established the legal reason, place of custody or any charge by 11:59 AM EAT. Reports linked the incident to his public gathering, while the authorities had not confirmed that account. What the footage confirms K24 Digital's account and video shows Omondi at the National Archives area and then in handcuffs. Kenyans.co.ke reported at 9:13 AM that plain-clothes officers took him away without the confrontation becoming violent. The footage establishes the detention and its location. It does not show an officer announcing an offence, nor does it establish where Omondi was taken afterward. Those unanswered points matter because an arrest, a police accusation and a charge filed in court are separate legal steps. The Star reported that the arresting officer did not immediately give a reason. The newspaper cited other officers as saying the detention concerned an allegedly unnotified meeting, but that account had not been issued in a public police statement by the cutoff time. What Omondi was campaigning for Omondi had invited supporters to join a signature drive at the Archives. His proposal, which he calls “Punguza Mzigo,” seeks to reduce Kenya's 47 counties to eight larger regions and remove several elected or nominated political positions. He argues that the changes would lower the cost of government and release more money for public services. K24 reported that he planned to continue collecting signatures at the Archives through Friday and was targeting one million endorsements. Those figures are the campaign's own stated goals; they are not proof that a constitutional threshold has been met. Continue Reading Full Article JUSTICE & CRIME Eric Omondi Detained During Nairobi Signature Drive By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Sep 7, 2026 Sep 7, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Video shows officers taking the comedian-activist away as he collected signatures at the Archives. Kenyan comedian and activist Eric Omondi was detained in central Nairobi on Monday morning, 7 September 2026, while collecting signatures for a campaign proposing major changes to the country's political structure. Footage published by Kenyan outlets shows plain-clothes officers handcuffing Omondi near the Kenya National Archives and placing him in a vehicle. Why was Eric Omondi detained in Nairobi? Public footage confirms that officers detained him during his signature drive, but no official police statement had established the legal reason, place of custody or any charge by 11:59 AM EAT. Reports linked the incident to his public gathering, while the authorities had not confirmed that account. What the footage confirms K24 Digital's account and video shows Omondi at the National Archives area and then in handcuffs. Kenyans.co.ke reported at 9:13 AM that plain-clothes officers took him away without the confrontation becoming violent. The footage establishes the detention and its location. It does not show an officer announcing an offence, nor does it establish where Omondi was taken afterward. Those unanswered points matter because an arrest, a police accusation and a charge filed in court are separate legal steps. The Star reported that the arresting officer did not immediately give a reason. The newspaper cited other officers as saying the detention concerned an allegedly unnotified meeting, but that account had not been issued in a public police statement by the cutoff time. ADVERTISEMENT What Omondi was campaigning for Omondi had invited supporters to join a signature drive at the Archives. His proposal, which he calls “Punguza Mzigo,” seeks to reduce Kenya's 47 counties to eight larger regions and remove several elected or nominated political positions. He argues that the changes would lower the cost of government and release more money for public services. K24 reported that he planned to continue collecting signatures at the Archives through Friday and was targeting one million endorsements. Those figures are the campaign's own stated goals; they are not proof that a constitutional threshold has been met. Changing the number of counties would require a constitutional process, not only a street petition. Public signatures can demonstrate support and may be part of a formal popular initiative, but electoral authorities would still need to verify any submitted signatures and the proposal would face the constitutional approval stages. ADVERTISEMENT What remains unknown By late Monday morning, the National Police Service public website did not carry a statement naming the arresting unit, the custody location, an alleged offence or a planned court appearance. Omondi's detention should not be described as a conviction, and the absence of a public charge means reports should avoid presenting any alleged breach as settled fact. It was also unclear whether the signature collection continued after he was taken away or whether organisers changed the remaining timetable. Supporters should use public campaign notices and official electoral guidance before sharing personal information or signing any document. The incident adds a new legal and political dimension to a campaign that was already drawing debate about devolution, representation and public spending. It also returns attention to Omondi's shift from entertainment into street activism and public fundraising. 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 Why the next official update matters The decisive next development will be a direct statement from police, Omondi or his legal representatives confirming whether he was released, booked, charged or scheduled for court. Until then, “detained” is the most precise description supported by the available footage. Kenya has seen recurring disputes over demonstrations, notification rules and police handling of activists. XTRAfrica has separately covered clashes involving Nairobi protesters and pro-government groups and a cross-border Kenya investigation involving digital evidence . Those cases are distinct, but both illustrate why verified official records and careful legal language are essential. For now, the confirmed facts are narrow: Omondi was publicly collecting signatures at the Archives, plain-clothes officers handcuffed him and he was driven away. The reason, agency, location and legal outcome await confirmation. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Government Announcements Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next Signed environmental grants put local delivery, community ownership and accountability in focus. . Political Appointments Muhoozi Clarifies Uganda CDF Exit Plan: Has He Resigned? Muhoozi says he may hand over Uganda's military command but has not announced a resignation date. . Agriculture Morocco Tomato Export Restrictions: Africa and Europe Explained New permits reportedly frozen, European shipments exempt; West African markets face uncertainty. . Investment Kenya Plans $500M Startup Fund: How It Could Work Kenya's NIFC wants to raise $500m for startups, with half targeted at technology and AI businesses. . Tags Breaking News Breaking News Kenya Kenya Eric Omondi Eric Omondi

CAF President Patrice Motsepe revealed Burna Boy was briefly held at a Moroccan airport over jewellery before his AFCON show. Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy was briefly detained by customs officials at a Moroccan airport due to concerns over jewellery, according to the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe. Motsepe disclosed the incident during a recent press conference, explaining that the singer encountered difficulties upon arrival in Morocco while en route to headline the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Fan Zone concert in Rabat. According to the CAF President, airport customs officers stopped Burna Boy after noticing his gold jewellery. Motsepe said he was contacted to intervene, and the matter was resolved without further complications. “I was called that I need to intervene because Burna Boy was stopped at the airport after customs officers noticed his heavy and beautiful gold jewellery. I intervened, and it was resolved,” Motsepe stated. Despite the delay, Burna Boy went on to headline the AFCON Fan Zone concert in Rabat on January 16. The event also featured performances by Ghanaian musician Stonebwoy and Moroccan artists Stormy and Jaylann. Source: Daily Post Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Burna Boy Detained at Moroccan Airport Over Jewellery Issue By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Jan 19, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy was briefly detained by customs officials at a Moroccan airport due to concerns over jewellery, according to the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe. Motsepe disclosed the incident during a recent press conference, explaining that the singer encountered difficulties upon arrival in Morocco while en route to headline the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Fan Zone concert in Rabat. According to the CAF President, airport customs officers stopped Burna Boy after noticing his gold jewellery. Motsepe said he was contacted to intervene, and the matter was resolved without further complications. ADVERTISEMENT “I was called that I need to intervene because Burna Boy was stopped at the airport after customs officers noticed his heavy and beautiful gold jewellery. I intervened, and it was resolved,” Motsepe stated. Despite the delay, Burna Boy went on to headline the AFCON Fan Zone concert in Rabat on January 16. The event also featured performances by Ghanaian musician Stonebwoy and Moroccan artists Stormy and Jaylann. ADVERTISEMENT Source: Daily Post Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigeria Nigeria

Beni health authorities have confirmed Oïcha’s first Ebola case as response teams intensify tracing and surveillance efforts. Health officials in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have confirmed the first Ebola case in the Oïcha health zone of Beni territory, marking the zone’s first infection since the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak was declared. Authorities said the patient has already died, two additional suspected cases are under observation at Oïcha General Reference Hospital, and a zonal response team headed by Dr. Kasereka Nzala Esai has been established to trace contacts. Dr. Nzala Esai urged residents to remain vigilant without panicking as contact tracing continues as cited by 7sur7.cd The Oïcha case underscores how quickly the current Ebola outbreak is spreading beyond initial hotspots. A day before the Beni announcement, the World Health Organization warned that the outbreak in the DRC and Uganda is moving faster than response efforts, with 220 suspected deaths reported . WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said delayed detection has complicated containment, classifying the Bundibugyo‑strain outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to its rapid spread and the absence of a licensed vaccine. Tedros and WHO emergencies chief Chikwe Ihekweazu plan to travel to Congo to support frontline operations as cases climb and insecurity in Ituri and North Kivu hampers surveillance. Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya also drew attention to the political dimensions of the crisis. In a TV5Monde interview cited by XTRAfrica, he insisted that the DRC has the expertise to manage its 17th Ebola epidemic and noted that the outbreak remains localized to three of the country’s 26 provinces. He said Kinshasa has mobilized treatment centers and an initial $20 million response package, working with Africa CDC, Uganda and South Sudan on a regional contingency plan. However, Muyaya argued that continued M23 and Rwandan military presence in eastern Congo is undermining health efforts and criticized Rwanda for closing its border, which he said violates international health regulations and hinders medical deployments. He urged international mediators, particularly the United States, to push for a full withdrawal of Rwandan troops. International reactions have been swift. Canada and the Bahamas announced 90‑day travel restrictions targeting residents of the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, while Canada will impose mandatory 21‑day quarantines for returning nationals. The World Health Organization recently raised the outbreak’s risk level to “very high” and said the situation in both the DRC and Uganda constitutes an emergency of international concern. The United States has introduced similar restrictions, although no confirmed cases have been linked to North America. Continue Reading Full Article PUBLIC HEALTH ALERTS Eastern DRC Steps Up Ebola Measures After Oïcha Case By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment May 28, 2026 May 28, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Health officials in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have confirmed the first Ebola case in the Oïcha health zone of Beni territory, marking the zone’s first infection since the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak was declared. Authorities said the patient has already died, two additional suspected cases are under observation at Oïcha General Reference Hospital, and a zonal response team headed by Dr. Kasereka Nzala Esai has been established to trace contacts. Dr. Nzala Esai urged residents to remain vigilant without panicking as contact tracing continues as cited by 7sur7.cd The Oïcha case underscores how quickly the current Ebola outbreak is spreading beyond initial hotspots. A day before the Beni announcement, the World Health Organization warned that the outbreak in the DRC and Uganda is moving faster than response efforts, with 220 suspected deaths reported . ADVERTISEMENT WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said delayed detection has complicated containment, classifying the Bundibugyo‑strain outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to its rapid spread and the absence of a licensed vaccine. Tedros and WHO emergencies chief Chikwe Ihekweazu plan to travel to Congo to support frontline operations as cases climb and insecurity in Ituri and North Kivu hampers surveillance. Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya also drew attention to the political dimensions of the crisis. In a TV5Monde interview cited by XTRAfrica, he insisted that the DRC has the expertise to manage its 17th Ebola epidemic and noted that the outbreak remains localized to three of the country’s 26 provinces. ADVERTISEMENT He said Kinshasa has mobilized treatment centers and an initial $20 million response package, working with Africa CDC, Uganda and South Sudan on a regional contingency plan. However, Muyaya argued that continued M23 and Rwandan military presence in eastern Congo is undermining health efforts and criticized Rwanda for closing its border, which he said violates international health regulations and hinders medical deployments. He urged international mediators, particularly the United States, to push for a full withdrawal of Rwandan troops. International reactions have been swift. Canada and the Bahamas announced 90‑day travel restrictions targeting residents of the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, while Canada will impose mandatory 21‑day quarantines for returning nationals. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Policy and Reforms US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . War in Eastern DRC Muyaya: Congo's War Has Nothing to Do With the Constitution . Infrastructure DRC Signs Contracts to Modernise 13 Airports, First Deliveries in 2028 . Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews . | Economy DRC Opens London Forum Seeking Partnerships, Not Aid . ADVERTISEMENT The World Health Organization recently raised the outbreak’s risk level to “very high” and said the situation in both the DRC and Uganda constitutes an emergency of international concern. The United States has introduced similar restrictions, although no confirmed cases have been linked to North America. As Beni authorities race to trace contacts in Oïcha and Kalunguta, health experts stress that robust coordination and trust with local communities will be critical. The WHO has warned that unsafe burials, community distrust and ongoing attacks on treatment centers remain major obstacles. Meanwhile, Congolese officials are calling for enhanced security and regional cooperation to ensure that health workers can reach affected areas and keep the outbreak from spreading further. 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

Davido condemns a bullying incident at an Edo State school after a viral video showed students assaulting a fellow student. Nigerian singer Davido has publicly condemned a bullying incident at Igbinedion Educational Centre in Edo State after a disturbing video showing students attacking a classmate circulated widely on social media. The viral footage shows two male students repeatedly hitting, slapping and stomping on another student who was lying helplessly on the ground. A third student, whose face was not visible in the video, could be heard pleading with the attackers to stop. Reacting to the video on social media platform X, Davido expressed outrage over the incident, describing the actions as unacceptable. “Fucking Animals .. so disgusting,” the Grammy-nominated singer wrote in response to the footage. Following the incident, the family of one of the students involved issued a public apology. In a statement signed by Tim Asoro on behalf of the Asoro family, the parents said they were deeply shocked and embarrassed after watching the video. They acknowledged the distress caused to the victim and his family, stating that no child deserves to experience such treatment and expressing regret over their child’s involvement in the assault. Authorities have since taken action over the incident. The Edo State Police Command confirmed that the school management had been summoned and instructed to hand over the students involved for investigation and possible prosecution. Meanwhile, the Edo State Ministry of Education announced the formation of a five-member investigative committee tasked with determining the circumstances surrounding the incident and identifying all students involved. Source: The Sun Nigeria Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Davido Condemns Edo School Bullying After Viral Video By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Mar 16, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Nigerian singer Davido has publicly condemned a bullying incident at Igbinedion Educational Centre in Edo State after a disturbing video showing students attacking a classmate circulated widely on social media. The viral footage shows two male students repeatedly hitting, slapping and stomping on another student who was lying helplessly on the ground. A third student, whose face was not visible in the video, could be heard pleading with the attackers to stop. Reacting to the video on social media platform X, Davido expressed outrage over the incident, describing the actions as unacceptable. ADVERTISEMENT “Fucking Animals .. so disgusting,” the Grammy-nominated singer wrote in response to the footage. Following the incident, the family of one of the students involved issued a public apology. In a statement signed by Tim Asoro on behalf of the Asoro family, the parents said they were deeply shocked and embarrassed after watching the video. They acknowledged the distress caused to the victim and his family, stating that no child deserves to experience such treatment and expressing regret over their child’s involvement in the assault. ADVERTISEMENT Authorities have since taken action over the incident. The Edo State Police Command confirmed that the school management had been summoned and instructed to hand over the students involved for investigation and possible prosecution. Meanwhile, the Edo State Ministry of Education announced the formation of a five-member investigative committee tasked with determining the circumstances surrounding the incident and identifying all students involved. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT Source: The Sun Nigeria ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigeria Nigeria

Félix Tshisekedi warned that DR Congo’s 2028 elections depend on ending the war in the east. Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has warned that the country may not be able to hold its 2028 elections unless the conflict in the east is resolved, according to an Associated Press report . Speaking during a press conference in Kinshasa on Wednesday, May 6, Tshisekedi said elections could not be organized without stability in North Kivu and South Kivu, two eastern provinces affected by years of armed violence. “If we cannot end this war, unfortunately we will not be able to organize elections in 2028,” Tshisekedi said. He added that the issue would not be a lack of resources, but the inability to hold a national vote while major parts of the east remain insecure. Local outlet also reported Tshisekedi’s remarks, saying he linked the 2028 election timetable directly to ending the war in eastern Congo. The statement comes as eastern DRC continues to face violence involving armed groups, including the M23 rebellion.The conflict escalated in January 2025 when Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advanced and seized Goma, followed by Bukavu in February. Tshisekedi, who is serving his second term, also addressed debate over a possible third term. According to local report , he said he had not requested a third term but would accept if Congolese citizens asked him to continue. The DRC constitution currently limits presidents to two terms. it was reported that any move allowing another term would require a constitutional referendum . Opposition figures criticized the remarks, warning that the third-term discussion could increase political tensions ahead of the 2028 electoral deadline. Continue Reading Full Article WAR IN DR CONGO Tshisekedi Says 2028 vote Impossible Until Peace Returns in the East By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment May 7, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has warned that the country may not be able to hold its 2028 elections unless the conflict in the east is resolved, according to an Associated Press report . Speaking during a press conference in Kinshasa on Wednesday, May 6, Tshisekedi said elections could not be organized without stability in North Kivu and South Kivu, two eastern provinces affected by years of armed violence. “If we cannot end this war, unfortunately we will not be able to organize elections in 2028,” Tshisekedi said. He added that the issue would not be a lack of resources, but the inability to hold a national vote while major parts of the east remain insecure. ADVERTISEMENT Local outlet also reported Tshisekedi’s remarks, saying he linked the 2028 election timetable directly to ending the war in eastern Congo. The statement comes as eastern DRC continues to face violence involving armed groups, including the M23 rebellion.The conflict escalated in January 2025 when Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advanced and seized Goma, followed by Bukavu in February. Tshisekedi, who is serving his second term, also addressed debate over a possible third term. According to local report , he said he had not requested a third term but would accept if Congolese citizens asked him to continue. ADVERTISEMENT The DRC constitution currently limits presidents to two terms. it was reported that any move allowing another term would require a constitutional referendum . Opposition figures criticized the remarks, warning that the third-term discussion could increase political tensions ahead of the 2028 electoral deadline. 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 Mining and Minerals Kamilombe Relocation: Compensation and ZEA 371 Explained . Mining and Minerals Zijin Reports About $6 Billion in Cumulative DRC Mining Investment . Mining and Minerals DRC Takes Mining Investment Campaign to China Conference . Mining and Minerals Eastern DRC copper project delivers promising new drilling results . Mining and Minerals DRC to Launch State-Controlled Geological Data Bank in 2026 . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Mining and Minerals Kamilombe Relocation: Compensation and ZEA 371 Explained Pit compensation, ore sales and access to a replacement mining zone are separate questions. . Mining and Minerals Zijin Reports About $6 Billion in Cumulative DRC Mining Investment Zijin says its cumulative DRC mining investments total about $6 billion across copper, cobalt and . Mining and Minerals DRC Takes Mining Investment Campaign to China Conference DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum leads a delegation to China Mining 2026 to promote projects . Mining and Minerals Eastern DRC copper project delivers promising new drilling results Copper Intelligence says all 13 main drill holes at its Butembo project in eastern DRC intersected . Tags DRC Mining DRC Mining Africa Africa Wazalendo DRC Wazalendo DRC Felix Tshisekedi Felix Tshisekedi DR Congo News DR Congo News African Union African Union

Despite significant investments in Africa's digital infrastructure by tech giants like Google and Meta, many Africans still face slow internet speeds and high data costs. Google's first cloud data center in Johannesburg, South Africa, operational since January, marks a major milestone in this transformation. Tech Giants Investing in Africa Tevin Tafese, a data scientist at the German Institute of Global and Area Studies (GIGA), highlights the business potential seen by US tech giants. Google's $1 billion commitment in 2022 to Africa’s digital transformation includes the Umoja project, the first fiber optic cable linking Africa to Australia. This cable will traverse Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, promising faster, cheaper internet. Leapfrogging Traditional Technology Africa's internet infrastructure development has bypassed traditional landlines, jumping straight to mobile and fiber optic technologies. This "leapfrogging" is evident in countries like South Africa, where mobile networks dominate over landlines. Digital Inequality Persists Despite these advances, digital inequality remains a challenge. Anriette Esterhuysen from Johannesburg's Association for Progressive Communications (APC) points out that while investments increase capacities, they do not necessarily bridge the digital divide. Those without access, devices, or skills remain marginalized. High Costs of Internet Access Sub-Saharan Africa has the world's highest mobile data prices, exacerbating the digital divide. The UN Broadband Commission aims to reduce broadband costs below 2% of monthly gross national income by 2025, but this target remains distant for many African countries. Divine Puplampu, a software developer in Ghana, criticizes the high cost of data, suggesting government tariffs are partly to blame. Similarly, in Mozambique, protests have erupted over high internet costs. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Jun 8, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Despite significant investments in Africa's digital infrastructure by tech giants like Google and Meta, many Africans still face slow internet speeds and high data costs. Google's first cloud data center in Johannesburg, South Africa, operational since January, marks a major milestone in this transformation. Tech Giants Investing in Africa Tevin Tafese, a data scientist at the German Institute of Global and Area Studies (GIGA), highlights the business potential seen by US tech giants. Google's $1 billion commitment in 2022 to Africa’s digital transformation includes the Umoja project, the first fiber optic cable linking Africa to Australia. This cable will traverse Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, promising faster, cheaper internet. ADVERTISEMENT Leapfrogging Traditional Technology Africa's internet infrastructure development has bypassed traditional landlines, jumping straight to mobile and fiber optic technologies. This "leapfrogging" is evident in countries like South Africa, where mobile networks dominate over landlines. Digital Inequality Persists Despite these advances, digital inequality remains a challenge. Anriette Esterhuysen from Johannesburg's Association for Progressive Communications (APC) points out that while investments increase capacities, they do not necessarily bridge the digital divide. Those without access, devices, or skills remain marginalized. ADVERTISEMENT High Costs of Internet Access Sub-Saharan Africa has the world's highest mobile data prices, exacerbating the digital divide. The UN Broadband Commission aims to reduce broadband costs below 2% of monthly gross national income by 2025, but this target remains distant for many African countries. Divine Puplampu, a software developer in Ghana, criticizes the high cost of data, suggesting government tariffs are partly to blame. Similarly, in Mozambique, protests have erupted over high internet costs. 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 The Road Ahead For Africa to become a digital hub, governments must support infrastructure development and reduce costs. This will not only empower individuals but also facilitate broader socio-economic development across the continent. While significant strides are being made in improving Africa's digital infrastructure, challenges remain in achieving affordable and widespread internet access. Continued investment and supportive government policies are crucial to bridging the digital divide and unlocking the continent’s digital potential. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act into law on Wednesday, marking a significant step toward universal health coverage just two weeks before a highly competitive election. The NHI Act aims to address the disparities in South Africa's two-tier health system, where a publicly funded sector serves 84% of the population but remains overburdened and under-resourced, while private insurance offers superior treatment to a minority. The legislation will gradually reduce the role of private insurance, establish a public fund to provide free healthcare access to all South African citizens, and regulate the fees private healthcare providers can charge for NHI-covered services. Ramaphosa emphasized that the current healthcare system is fragmented, unsustainable, and rooted in apartheid-era inequalities. Opponents of the bill have vowed to challenge it in court, accusing the government of using it as a vote-winning tactic—a claim the presidency denies.The ruling African National Congress (ANC) faces a tough battle to maintain its parliamentary majority after 30 years in power. "For those who would like to see their privileges continuing, sorry, you are on the wrong boat. The boat we are on is about equality," Ramaphosa stated at the signing ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment May 15, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signing the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act into law South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act into law on Wednesday, marking a significant step toward universal health coverage just two weeks before a highly competitive election. The NHI Act aims to address the disparities in South Africa's two-tier health system, where a publicly funded sector serves 84% of the population but remains overburdened and under-resourced, while private insurance offers superior treatment to a minority. The legislation will gradually reduce the role of private insurance, establish a public fund to provide free healthcare access to all South African citizens, and regulate the fees private healthcare providers can charge for NHI-covered services. Ramaphosa emphasized that the current healthcare system is fragmented, unsustainable, and rooted in apartheid-era inequalities. ADVERTISEMENT Opponents of the bill have vowed to challenge it in court, accusing the government of using it as a vote-winning tactic—a claim the presidency denies.The ruling African National Congress (ANC) faces a tough battle to maintain its parliamentary majority after 30 years in power. "For those who would like to see their privileges continuing, sorry, you are on the wrong boat. The boat we are on is about equality," Ramaphosa stated at the signing ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags