Uganda's Anti-Gay Law Upheld by Constitutional Court Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Apr 4, 2024 ​ State Minister Henry Okello Oryem, remain defiant, accusing Western countries of using aid and financial leverage to impose their views on same-sex relationships. In a significant decision, Uganda's Constitutional Court has upheld the controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023, amidst international outcry and calls for human rights respect. The court, led by Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, stated it would not invalidate the law, which prescribes life sentences for same-sex relations and the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality." This ruling followed a petition challenging the law's constitutionality, spearheaded by academics from Makerere University, government representatives, and human rights advocates. They argued that the legislation infringes upon fundamental rights such as non-discrimination and privacy, and contravenes Uganda's international obligations, including those under the UN Convention against Torture. The law has garnered substantial support within Uganda, reflecting the country's conservative stance and resistance to what some politicians term "immoral" Western influences. However, it has sparked severe criticism from the global community, including the UN, LGBTQ rights groups, and several Western nations. In response to the law and related human rights abuses, the United States has imposed visa restrictions on certain Ugandan officials, and the World Bank has halted new loans to Uganda, citing a clash with its core values. Despite international pressure, Ugandan officials, like State Minister Henry Okello Oryem, remain defiant, accusing Western countries of using aid and financial leverage to impose their views on same-sex relationships. The law's enforcement has already seen legal actions, with a young man facing the death penalty under the "aggravated homosexuality" provision, marking a precedent in the country's legal history . More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

A Critical Analysis of Rwanda's Youth Volunteer Program with Paul Kagame as a Propaganda Tool Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond May 8, 2024 ​ Kagame addressed over 7,000 youths from across Rwanda at the 10-year Youth Volunteers celebration at BK Arena in Kigali on May 7 President Paul Kagame recently met with over 7,500 youth volunteers at the BK Arena to show unity. However, critics claim the event is just a facade, designed to falsely demonstrate his strong support among the youth. Attendees received T-shirts with his name and praised him, which critics say is a way to manipulate public opinion and regain international attention and support. This comes as Rwanda prepares for presidential elections on July 15, 2024, despite his government facing accusations of human rights abuses and political repression The BK Arena event, while presented as an opportunity for the President to interact with the youth and discuss their role in the country's development, has been criticized as a propaganda tool aimed at portraying Kagame as a benevolent leader who enjoys the support of the younger generation however it is far from reality, as many young people in Rwanda face significant challenges, including limited opportunities for political participation, economic hardship, a lack of access to basic services, and a low rate of employment among youths according to the world-bank statistics. The lack of financial compensation for these volunteers is particularly concerning. Many of them are living in poverty and struggling to make ends meet, yet they are expected to work for free in the name of national development. This has led some to compare the situation to a form of modern-day slavery, where individuals are exploited for their labor without being given the means to improve their lives. In conclusion, the recent meeting between President Kagame and thousands of young volunteers at the BK Arena has brought to light the shortcomings of Rwanda's youth program. While it may be well-intentioned, the program fails to provide the support and opportunities that young people need to thrive. Instead, it perpetuates a cycle of poverty and exploitation, leaving many volunteers no better off than they were before. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Sudan Faces Famine Risk Amid Escalating Conflict Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jun 27, 2024 Sudanese women and children lined up for food A global hunger monitor has warned of a realistic chance of famine in 14 areas across Sudan if the ongoing conflict between military factions intensifies. The affected regions include parts of the capital Khartoum, Darfur, Kordofan, and El Gezira State, according to an update from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). As per the latest IPC assessment, approximately 755,000 people in Sudan are facing "catastrophe," the most severe level of extreme hunger. Overall, 8.5 million people, representing 18% of the population, are experiencing food shortages that could lead to acute malnutrition and death or necessitate emergency coping strategies. The conflict between Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April last year, has spread throughout the country, triggering ethnically driven violence in Darfur and causing the world's largest internal displacement crisis. The IPC's warning suggests that famine could occur with reasonable probability under a worst-case scenario in the 14 identified areas. The IPC's criteria for declaring a famine include extreme food shortages affecting at least 20% of the population, acute malnutrition in at least 30% of children, and a daily death rate of two people per 10,000 due to starvation, malnutrition, or disease. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Do2dtun Shares Struggle in Gaining Custody of Children Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Prince Jean Mar 11, 2024 ​ Media personality Do2dtun has candidly discussed his ongoing custody battle with his estranged wife, Taiwo Oyebanjo, in a recent interview. Image/@Do2dtun Renowned broadcaster Do2dtun has openly discussed the significant challenges he is encountering in securing access to his children amidst an ongoing custody dispute following his separation from estranged spouse, Taiwo Oyebanjo. The separation came into the public eye in December 2022, when Oyebanjo initiated divorce proceedings, levelling serious accusations against Do2dtun, including emotional abuse, domestic violence, and coercion into an abortion. The couple, who had been united in matrimony for almost a decade, share parental responsibilities for their two children. In a heartfelt revelation on the Goldroom show, Do2dtun detailed the emotional strain of being apart from his children during the legal tussle. Despite the complexity of the divorce process, he remains dedicated to his parental role and is actively pursuing legal avenues to be reunited with his children. Do2dtun also touched upon the financial implications of the dispute, highlighting his determination to ensure financial stability for his children's sake. He believes that as they grow, his children will be free to choose the parent with whom they wish to reside. Throughout the dialogue, Do2dtun maintained that he has been transparent about the divorce and custody issues. He emphasized the personal struggles he faces in striving to maintain a relationship with his children during this tumultuous period. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

SADC's Decisive Mission to Restore Peace in the Eastern DRC Amidst Escalating Conflicts and Rwandan Tensions Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Erin Brewer Jan 6, 2024 ​ The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) The deployment of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) was initiated on December 15, 2023, as a response to escalating conflicts and instability in the eastern DRC, largely attributed to the resurgence of armed groups. This mission, approved at the Extraordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in May 2023, is a collective effort involving forces from Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, and elements of the DRC's Armed Forces (FARDC). It represents a regional response to the deteriorating security situation in the Eastern DRC, emphasizing the principle of collective self-defense and action as outlined in the SADC Mutual Defence Pact of 2003​​. (SADC Deployment) Brigadier General Monwabisi Dyakopu. The mission, led by Major General Monwabisi Dyakopu from South Africa, is a testament to SADC's commitment to support the DRC in achieving lasting peace and stability, thereby fostering an environment conducive to sustainable development and prosperity. The deployment aligns with the principle that any armed attack against one of the States Parties is considered a threat to regional peace and security, warranting immediate collective action​​. Regarding the effectiveness of the SADC force, it is essential to note that previous missions, such as those by MONUSCO and the East African Community Regional Force, have not been able to neutralize the main rebel groups operating in the eastern DRC for the last 20 years. The new intervention force must be sizeable, well-equipped, and capable of special forces operations in challenging terrain. However, there are concerns about the resources and capabilities of the forces involved, particularly the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), which is leading the SADC intervention force. The SANDF is reportedly overstretched and underfunded, facing discrepancies between its expected roles and the available resources. In terms of the impact on the current Rwandan regime under President Paul Kagame, the situation is highly contingent on the outcomes of these interventions and diplomatic efforts. President Tshisekedi's stance against Kagame, particularly if re-elected, could escalate tensions. However, the effectiveness of the SADC mission, Rwanda's response, and international diplomatic efforts will significantly shape the future course of these tensions. In summary, the deployment of the SADC mission represents a significant regional effort to restore stability in the DRC. However, its success and the broader impact on the M23 conflict and Rwanda's regime will depend on various factors, including the mission's effectiveness, the cooperation between different regional forces, and the evolving political dynamics between the DRC and Rwanda. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Kylian Mbappe Reveals Dream Serie A Club: AC Milan Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe May 29, 2024 Kylian Mbappe, the 25-year-old football sensation Kylian Mbappe, the 25-year-old footballer, has expressed his admiration for AC Milan, stating he would love to play for the Serie A giants if he ever moved to Italy. After playing his last game for Paris Saint-Germain last weekend , Mbappe is widely expected to sign with Real Madrid as a free agent. However, in an interview with Sky Italia, he revealed a childhood affection for AC Milan. "When I was a kid, I was a fan of Milan. I always said that if I come one day to Italy, I’m going to play for Milan. I watch every game of Milan," Mbappe shared. As Mbappe prepares for his next chapter, Milan fans can dream of a future with the star forward in their lineup. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

South African Ex-Parliament Speaker Released on Bail Amid Corruption Allegations Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Griffith Sarah Apr 5, 2024 ​ South African politics, former Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula in Court Pretoria, South Africa - In a significant development within South African politics, former Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, was granted bail after surrendering to Pretoria police over bribery charges. The arrest highlights ongoing corruption issues within the African National Congress (ANC) as the nation gears up for forthcoming elections. Mapisa-Nqakula, accused of accepting roughly $135,000 in bribes from a defense contractor during her tenure as Defence Minister (2016-2019), firmly denies the allegations, citing political motives. Following a raid on her Johannesburg residence, she faces 12 charges of corruption and money laundering. Read also: South Africa's Parliament Speaker Steps Down Amid Corruption Allegations Despite resigning from her parliamentary positions, Mapisa-Nqakula contends her commitment to facing trial, emphasizing the personal losses at stake, including her state pension and family connections. With the prosecutors not contesting her bail, set at 50,000 rand ($2,670), the case is now adjourned to June 4, with expectations of additional defendants joining . More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

M23 Rebels Seize Key Smartphone Mineral Mining Town in Eastern Congo Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Griffith Sarah May 3, 2024 ​ M23 War lord Sultan Makenga In a significant development, the M23 rebel group , allegedly linked to Rwanda, has seized control of Rubaya , a mining town in eastern Congo. Rubaya is known for its deposits of tantalum , a key mineral used in the production of smartphones. The Situation in Rubaya Rubaya holds significant deposits of tantalum, which is extracted from coltan. This mineral plays a crucial role in smartphone manufacturing. Eastern Congo has been embroiled in a prolonged conflict involving over 100 armed groups vying for control of the mineral-rich region near the border with Rwanda. The violence in this area has led to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, displacing approximately 7 million people, many of whom are beyond the reach of aid. The fall of Rubaya represents the embodiment of systemic plundering, where armed groups exploit valuable resources for their benefit. Recent months have witnessed increased fighting between M23 rebels and Congolese army forces. The United Nations plans to withdraw peacekeepers from the region by year-end. The rebels are reportedly advancing toward Goma , the largest city in eastern Congo and the capital of North Kivu province. Supply routes to Goma are currently blocked. Regional Dynamics Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi accuses Rwanda of destabilizing Congo by backing the M23 rebels. U.N. experts and the U.S. State Department have also made similar claims, although Rwanda denies them. French President Emmanuel Macron recently urged Rwanda to halt its support for the M23 rebel group during a joint press conference with President Tshisekedi in Paris. The capture of Rubaya by the M23 rebels underscores the ongoing conflict and the strategic importance of controlling mining towns in the region. As tensions escalate and the situation remains volatile, the fate of Rubaya and its valuable mineral resources hangs in the balance. The international community closely monitors developments in this troubled corner of Africa. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Somalia Warns of Impending Tropical Cyclone Ialy Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe May 22, 2024 ​ Raging storm in the Indian ocean Somalia's disaster agency issued a warning on Tuesday about the impending Tropical Cyclone Ialy, expected to make landfall in the southwestern and southern regions, including the capital, Mogadishu. The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SDMA) advised people living near coastal areas to be on high alert and exercise extreme caution. Heavy rains and flash floods have caused significant damage and displacement across Somalia since the beginning of the year. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) , as of May 14, approximately 225,760 people have been affected by the heavy rains and flooding of the Gu season, which spans from April to June. This includes nearly 38,730 people who have been displaced or relocated. The adverse weather conditions have led to the loss of livelihoods, including livestock and cropland, and the destruction of small businesses. The damage to water sources and water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities is exacerbating a cholera outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded at least 10,640 cholera cases, including 120 deaths, across seven states. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

MTN Group exists two west African countries to focus on high-growth markets Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 26, 2024 ​ The divestiture comes after MTN Guinea-Bissau's financial challenges, highlighted by a significant loss of R1.69 billion ($89.39 million) due to adverse EBITDA performance and currency translation impacts Johannesburg – MTN Group, the leading telecom operator in Africa, is refocusing its strategy on high-growth markets, announcing the divestiture of its operations in Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry. The move, part of the company's strategic reorientation, was disclosed in its 2023 financial statements. Telecel, a prominent telecom entity with widespread operations across Africa, has acquired MTN's stakes in these markets for an undisclosed sum. This transition aligns with MTN's objective to consolidate its resources and bolster its presence in more lucrative markets within the West and Central Africa (WECA) region. The divestiture comes after MTN Guinea-Bissau's financial challenges, highlighted by a significant loss of R1.69 billion ($89.39 million) due to adverse EBITDA performance and currency translation impacts. This decision underscores MTN's commitment to optimizing its portfolio for enhanced profitability and shareholder value. With a strategic pivot towards Ghana, Cameroon, and Cote d’Ivoire, which collectively contribute significantly to the group's revenue, MTN is poised to fortify its market leadership in the region. This streamlined focus is expected to drive sustainable growth and technological advancement in its key markets, reaffirming MTN's dedication to connecting the African continent . More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Super Eagles Set Camp for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier Against Bafana Bafana Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire May 12, 2024 ​ The Super Eagles prepare to host South Africa in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup The Super Eagles preparefor 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on June 7 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, is set to begin training on June 1 for a significant 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana. The match is scheduled for June 7 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. All invited players will arrive for an early camp to start immediate preparations, aiming for their first win in the qualifiers after initial draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe . The team, coached by Finidi George and currently third in Group C, will announce the player roster next week, which includes another upcoming game against Benin Republic. The Super Eagles are eager to secure a victory and boost their standings, supported by their home crowd in Uyo. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Strategic Partnership for Africa's Growth: AFC and AfDB Seal $350M Deal for Infrastructure Advancement Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Joel Arnold Dec 28, 2023 ​ (l-r) AFC Board Member and Executive Director of Financial Services, Sanjeev Gupta and AfDB Vice President Solomon Quaynor shake hands after signing of $350 million long-term line of credit agreement, Dubai, 4 December 2023. The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) recently announced a significant partnership, marking a pivotal moment in Africa's infrastructural and economic advancement. This collaboration involves a substantial $350 million long-term line of credit from the AfDB to the AFC. Signed on December 5, 2023, during the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) in Dubai, this agreement aims to bolster urgently needed financing for various infrastructure projects across Africa. This strategic alliance is not just a financial transaction; it represents a deeper commitment to fostering sustainable development and economic growth within the continent. The partnership between these two institutions is longstanding, with the AfDB becoming a shareholder in AFC in 2019. Their joint efforts have led to co-investing in multiple transformative infrastructure projects in Africa. A notable recent collaboration is their involvement in the development of the Lobito Corridor expansion, where AFC was appointed as the lead project developer, alongside the US, EU, and governments of Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia. The injection of funds through this line of credit will empower AFC to mobilize additional resources for the continued development of infrastructure projects in key sectors such as power, transportation, telecommunications, and natural resources. These sectors are crucial for bridging Africa's infrastructure gap and creating new pathways for economic growth and prosperity. AFC's role in this endeavor is significant. Established in 2007, AFC has been a catalyst for private sector-led infrastructure investment across Africa. Their approach blends specialist industry expertise with financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital. This holistic strategy addresses Africa's infrastructure needs and drives sustainable economic growth. Over the past sixteen years, AFC has emerged as a preferred partner in Africa for investing and delivering high-quality infrastructure assets essential for power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications sectors. With 42 member countries, AFC has invested over US$12.7 billion across the continent. This agreement highlights the power of collaboration between leading African multilateral institutions. By combining their resources and expertise, these institutions aim to drive rapid industrialization, generate employment opportunities crucial for Africa's young population, and enhance the value of Africa's raw materials. This, in turn, catalyzes overall economic expansion, steering the continent toward a more prosperous, resilient, and sustainable future. For more detailed information about this significant development, you can visit the original articles on the African Development Bank Group website and the Africa Finance Corporation website. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024