Kagame's Sham Election, The Farce of Democracy in Rwanda Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond Jun 23, 2024 President Kagame during the second day of the campaign trail at Gisa site in Rubavu District on Sunday, June 23. Photos /the New Times Rwandan President Paul Kagame has launched his campaign for an upcoming election despite all key opposition leaders being barred from running. This raises the question: why hold an election if the outcome is already determined? It seems Kagame wants to maintain a façade of democracy while ensuring his continued hold on power. ( The Mail & Guardian )​​ The decision to bar opposition leaders from running in the election clearly indicates that Kagame has no interest in a fair and competitive political process. Instead, he seems intent on maintaining his grip on power at any cost. By preventing his opponents from participating, Kagame ensures he will face no real challenge to his rule. But why go through the motions of campaigning and holding an election at all? One possible explanation is that Kagame believes that by appearing to engage in a democratic process, he can maintain a veneer of legitimacy both domestically and internationally. By holding an election, even a sham one, Kagame can claim that he has the support of the Rwandan people and that his rule is based on popular will. Another possible motivation for Kagame's actions is that he may be trying to send a message to his opponents and to the international community. By barring opposition leaders from running and then holding a one-sided election, Kagame is demonstrating his ability to control the political process in Rwanda. He is showing that he will not tolerate dissent or opposition and that he is willing to use any means necessary to maintain his grip on power. Kagame, who has been in power since the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, has consistently won elections with over 90% of the vote, a figure that many international observers find suspiciously high and indicative of electoral manipulation. The political climate in Rwanda under Kagame has been marked by restrictions on freedom of speech, press, and assembly, creating an environment where genuine political competition is nearly impossible​ ( Ground News )​​ ( HCNTimes.com )​. 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

Kenya Receives Invitation for Four-Nation Tournament in Malawi Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Prince Jean Mar 1, 2024 ​ Harambee Stars Starting XI, Photo provided by Capitalfm Nairobi, February 29, 2024 — In a significant development for Kenyan football, the national team has received an invitation to participate in a prestigious Four-Nation Tournament hosted by Malawi. The tournament promises high-stakes clashes and an opportunity for Kenya to showcase its talent on the international stage. Malawi Football Federation (MFF) extended the invitation to Kenya, recognizing the country’s growing football prowess. The tournament aims to foster camaraderie among participating nations while providing a platform for players to compete at a high level. The Kenyan national team, commonly known as Harambee Stars, is gearing up for this exciting challenge. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, Kenya aims to make a strong statement in the tournament. Coach John Baraza expressed his optimism, emphasizing the importance of this opportunity for player development and team cohesion. 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

Ethiopia's Entry into BRICS is signaling a promising era of economic opportunities. Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Griffith Sarah Apr 20, 2024 ​ Ethiopian PM Ahmed Abey Addis Ababa, April 19, 2024 - Ethiopia's recent induction into the prestigious BRICS alliance is already catalyzing growth and development across various sectors, signaling a promising era of economic opportunities and technological advancements. Immediate Impact of Ethiopia's BRICS Membership Since officially joining BRICS in January 2024, Ethiopia has actively participated in high-level meetings, starting with its inaugural session in the same month. This early engagement has enabled Ethiopia to align with the alliance's agenda and establish valuable connections with other member nations, enhancing its role on the global stage. Technological Advancements Through BRICS A significant benefit of this membership for Ethiopia lies in the technological realm. BRICS countries are leaders in innovation and technology. By integrating into this group, Ethiopia taps into an extensive network of expertise and collaborative tech initiatives. This strategic move is set to boost Ethiopia's technological capabilities and accelerate its digital transformation. During the 10th BRICS Working Group on Security in the Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) held in Moscow, Ethiopia played a pivotal role. The forum allowed Ethiopia to underscore the importance of international information security and the peaceful use of ICTs. Tigist Hamid, Director General of Ethiopia's Information Network Security Administration (INSA), represented the nation, emphasizing the necessity of harnessing Ethiopia's youthful demographics to drive national progress. Strengthening Cybersecurity and International Cooperation The Moscow meeting focused extensively on cybersecurity, a critical area for international cooperation. Ethiopia and other BRICS nations agreed on the need for enhanced coordination to thwart cyber threats effectively. The summit concluded with a robust agreement on several fronts, including the establishment of a BRICS registry for information exchange on cyber incidents and a strengthened legal framework for ongoing cooperation. Future Prospects and Continued Collaboration The outcomes of Ethiopia's participation in BRICS meetings underscore the country's commitment to not only enhancing its technological landscape but also contributing meaningfully to global discussions on security and technological use. Looking ahead, Ethiopia is set to continue its active engagement in BRICS, leveraging the partnership to bridge the digital divide and promote peaceful ICT usage globally. As Ethiopia continues to capitalize on its BRICS membership, the focus remains on fostering a secure, innovative, and cooperative international environment, pivotal for sustained growth and development in the digital age. 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

Kenya's Nairobi Securities Exchange Enhances Capital Repatriation, Boosting Investor Confidence Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Apr 3, 2024 ​ Kenya's Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) on Tuesday said it has made it easy for institutional investors to repatriate capital from the country In a significant move to boost investor confidence, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in Kenya has streamlined the process for institutional investors to repatriate capital. This pivotal development led to the lifting of the "restricted" status previously imposed on the NSE, with the Financial Times and Stock Exchange (FTSE) Russell Index Governance Board now classifying it as "pass." David Wainaina, the Acting Chief Executive of the NSE, expressed enthusiasm over the reclassification, emphasizing its reflection of the ongoing enhancements within Kenya's equity market. This change is also seen as a vote of confidence from the international investment community in the Kenyan market's potential. We are delighted by the reclassification, which is a testament to the continued improvement in Kenya's equity market and a demonstration of the confidence international institutional investors are placing in our market," NSE Acting Chief Executive David Wainaina said in a statement issued in the Kenyan capital Nairobi. This update comes against the backdrop of a challenging year for the NSE, marked by a bearish trend and a notable withdrawal of foreign investors. These outflows had led to a reduction in market capitalization, from a high of $15.1 billion at the end of 2022 to $13.6 billion, underscoring the timely nature of the NSE's new measures to facilitate smoother capital movement. The FTSE Russell's equity indexes, a global benchmark for investors, play a crucial role in guiding asset allocation, portfolio construction, and risk analysis. The NSE's upgraded status is expected to rekindle interest and investment in Kenya's equity market, paving the way for a more vibrant and investor-friendly ecosystem . 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

Nigerian Lawmakers Propose Bill to Curb Central Bank's Role in Economic Policy Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Griffith Sarah Jun 1, 2024 ​ Abuja-based economist Kelvin Emmanuel. Nigerian lawmakers are proposing a bill to limit the central bank's control over economic policy. The bill, currently in the Senate, seeks to establish a committee headed by the finance minister to coordinate monetary and fiscal policies. This proposal comes as Nigeria grapples with a 28-year high inflation rate of 33.69% in April, amid sluggish economic growth and currency issues. The central bank would still manage monetary policies, but the new committee would oversee the coordination of both monetary and fiscal policies. Economists warn that this could undermine the central bank's autonomy . "The federal government tampering with the central bank's autonomy could disrupt monetary policy," said Abuja-based economist Kelvin Emmanuel. The International Monetary Fund has also cautioned Nigeria against compromising the central bank's independence, highlighting potential risks to inflation control and economic stability. The bill, backed by 32 ruling party members, requires Senate approval and the President's signature to become law. The central bank governor’s term would change to a single six-year term, instead of two five-year terms. Godwin Emefiele, the previous governor, faced criticism for currency restrictions that impacted the economy. Additionally, the bill proposes reducing temporary advances from the central bank to the government, which were increased during Muhammadu Buhari's presidency. 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

Rugby Africa Cup Set for July 18 at Namboole Stadium Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe May 25, 2024 ​ Mandela National Stadium in Namboole Uganda from July 18 to 29 will host the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup Ugandan rugby fans are eagerly anticipating the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup, set to take place at the newly refurbished Mandela National Stadium in Namboole from July 18 to 29. The annual continental tournament was launched at a vibrant event by government whip Denis Hamson Obua at Kings Park in Bweyogerere, home of the Pirates Rugby Club. This marks the first time Uganda is hosting the tier A championship in 15s rugby. Obua, representing the current Minister of Sports Peter Ogwang, praised Uganda for securing the bid to host the tournament for 2024 and 2025. He emphasized Uganda's commitment to strengthening international relationships through rugby and assured stakeholders of government support. Obua also thanked Nile Breweries for their sponsorship and encouraged other companies to support the sport as part of their corporate social responsibility. Accompanying Obua were notable figures including Uganda Rugby Union (URU) patron David Wasajja, URU president Godwin Kayangwe, MP Daniel Kidega, and representatives from Nile Breweries. Obua ceremoniously kicked a rugby ball to officially launch the tournament in Uganda. Kayangwe expressed his gratitude to World Rugby for promoting the sport in Africa , sharing his vision of a rugby boom on the continent. Herbert Mensah, president of Rugby Africa, congratulated Uganda via Zoom for winning the bid and highlighted the importance of direct investments in sports, citing Uganda and five other countries as examples. Davidson Wadada from Nile Breweries committed to rallying supporters to Namboole to boost player morale. The seven countries qualified for the finals are Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Senegal, and hosts Uganda. 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

Russia Reaffirms Support for African Union Goals, Says Russia's Ambassador to Ethiopia Terekhin Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe May 26, 2024 ​ Russia's Ambassador to Ethiopia, Evgeny Terekhin Addis Ababa, May 25, 2024 (ENA) – Russia's Ambassador to Ethiopia, Evgeny Terekhin, has reiterated his country's unwavering support for the aspirations of the African continent. During the 61st anniversary of Africa Day, commemorated at the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Terekhin emphasized Russia's long-standing partnership with Africa. In his message, Ambassador Terekhin highlighted the Russian Federation's commitment to the goals of the AU, particularly those outlined in the "Agenda-2063" socio-economic development program. He noted that Russia actively provides comprehensive support to Africa both bilaterally and through international mechanisms, aiming to strengthen the sovereignty and equality of African states. Terekhin also pointed out Russia's consistent advocacy for increased African representation on the UN Security Council. He argued that this would address historical injustices and align the UN with modern realities. The ambassador praised Africa as the most dynamically developing region globally, lauding its rich traditions, culture, natural resources, and the resilience of its people. He underscored Russia's dedication to bolstering its partnership with the AU and supporting Africa's pursuit of development and prosperity. 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

Ghana Faces Setbacks in Swimming and Wrestling, Finds Tough Competition at International Meet regardless of being the host Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 11, 2024 ​ Ghanian sportsmen at the tournament in Accra Ghana's athletes faced a challenging first day at the international sports competition, with the swimming and wrestling teams encountering setbacks despite their determined efforts. In the swimming events, Ghana showcased promising talent with two notable fourth-place finishes. Stacey Harry just missed a medal in the men's 100m butterfly final, finishing closely behind the leaders. South Africa's Clayton Jimmie clinched the gold medal with an outstanding performance, while Namibia's Alexander Skinner and Egypt's Abdalla Nasr secured the silver and bronze medals respectively. The 4x100m mixed relay freestyle team also finished in a commendable fourth place, highlighting the team's potential for future competitions. Pavel Kutashev, the coach of Ghana's swimming team, expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance. "It was a good day overall, despite not being perfect. The athletes gave their all, and that's what matters most," Kutashev remarked to Joy Sports. However, the day was less favorable for Ghana's wrestling contingent, as all competitors were eliminated on the first day. The most notable defeat came in the men's Greco 77kg category, where Ghana's Mugis Salifu was bested by Kenyan wrestler Mathonya Mathayo with a score of 10-0 in under two minutes. The badminton events also brought disappointment for Ghana, with the men's doubles tea m of Leslie Addo and Ebenezer Korampong bowing out in the quarterfinals against South Africa's Jarred Elliott and Robert Summers. The team's performance in mixed doubles and women's doubles, as well as in all singles events, saw no Ghanaian athlete advancing past the Round of 16. As Team Ghana reflects on the day's outcomes, the focus shifts to building on these experiences and preparing for future successes in international sports competitions. 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

Safaricom Reports Strong Earnings in Annual Financial Results Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe May 12, 2024 ​ A Safaricom Plc store in central Nairobi, Kenya. Photographer: Patrick Meinhard In a recent financial disclosure, Safaricom, Kenya's leading telecommunications provider, announced impressive earnings for its fiscal year ending in March. The company recorded group earnings before interest and tax of 139.9 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately $1.07 billion), excluding its operations in Ethiopia. This announcement underscores Safaricom's robust financial health and dominant position in the Kenyan telecom secto r. The results were made public on Thursday, highlighting the company's continued growth and strategic expansion efforts, particularly in the East African region. 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

Zimbabwe gains in Africa-Iran relation Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond May 5, 2024 ​ During his visit, VP Chiwenga explored various economic opportunities Zimbabwe has gained significant advantages from its participation in the second edition of the Iran-Africa International Economic Conference, according to Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga. The conference, which concluded recently, saw Zimbabwe's VP leading the delegation and engaging with key figures including Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi. During his visit, VP Chiwenga explored various economic opportunities and shared insights on how Iran has managed to thrive economically despite facing Western sanctions. He highlighted Iran’s advancements in sectors like agriculture, food processing, and the medical field, emphasizing the potential lessons Zimbabwe could apply from Iran's approach to small and medium enterprise (SME) development and financing. "Iran has developed a robust system to support SMEs, including specialized funding for exports," VP Chiwenga remarked. "This mirrors our vision in Zimbabwe where we aim to elevate our SMEs to bolster economic growth." Moreover, Iran's educational strategies, particularly in health and vocational training, were also points of interest. With 68 universities dedicated to medical training, Iran exemplifies a model of self-sufficient educational advancement under sanctions—a path Zimbabwe is eager to emulate. The vice president also reiterated the Zimbabwean mantra, "Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo" (The country is built by its own people), signaling a commitment to self-reliance and national unity. This diplomatic and economic engagement is part of Zimbabwe's broader foreign policy under President Mnangagwa, aiming to establish Zimbabwe as "a friend to all and enemy to none." Through international collaborations like the Iran-Africa Economic Conference, Zimbabwe seeks to diversify its investment sources and drive its economic agenda forward amidst ongoing sanctions. The experience and connections from the conference are set to influence Zimbabwe's economic strategies, leveraging international cooperation for domestic and regional development. 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

Mauricio Pochettino Parts Ways with Chelsea by Mutual Consent Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire May 22, 2024 ​ Mauricio Pochettino Chelsea FC announced on Tuesday that Mauricio Pochettino has left his role as manager by mutual consent, ending his tenure after one season. Despite a late surge in performance, the Argentine's time at the club was marked by challenges. Pochettino took over ahead of the 2023-24 season, succeeding interim manager Frank Lampard. The club's new owners, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, aimed to rejuvenate the team following a disappointing 12th-place finish the previous season. Pochettino signed a two-year contract with an option for a third, but his stint was cut short despite a late-season rally that saw Chelsea finish sixth, securing European football for next season. Under Pochettino's leadership, Chelsea reached the League Cup final, where they were narrowly defeated by Liverpool after extra time, and the FA Cup semi-finals, losing to Manchester City. "We express our gratitude to Mauricio for his service this season," said sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley. "He will always be welcome at Stamford Bridge, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors." Pochettino, formerly of Paris St Germain and Tottenham Hotspur, joined Chelsea after a record-breaking transfer window where the club spent $508.28 million on new signings. Since Boehly and Clearlake took over in 2022, Chelsea has invested over a billion dollars in player acquisitions, focusing on young talents for long-term contracts. Despite a rocky start, with the team sitting 12th at one point, Pochettino managed to turn the season around as injured players returned. Chelsea ended the season with a strong finish, losing just one of their last 15 games and winning the final five consecutively to secure sixth place and European qualification. Chelsea has qualified for the Conference League but could play in the Europa League if Manchester City wins the FA Cup final against Manchester United. Speculation about Pochettino's departure had been widespread, but he remained non-committal when questioned after the final game of the season, only noting a dinner with Boehly. "Thank you to the Chelsea ownership group and sporting directors for the opportunity to be part of this club's history," Pochettino said. "The club is now well-positioned to continue progressing in the Premier League and Europe." 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

Pep Guardiola Praises Ilkay Gundogan as the Smartest Player He's Ever Coached Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Jun 15, 2024 ​ In a recent statement, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hailed Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan as one of the smartest players he's ever coached. Guardiola, who guided Gundogan during his time at Man City, shared high praise for the Germany international’s intelligence and impact on the team. Gundogan and Guardiola enjoyed a successful stint at City, securing numerous trophies together, including the prestigious Champions League and Premier League titles. Reflecting on Gundogan’s influence, Guardiola said, “İlkay didn’t talk much, but when he did, everyone listened, including me as a coach. His words were always clear and direct. He is incredibly intelligent and was a key factor in our success.” This endorsement from one of football’s most respected managers underscores Gundogan’s exceptional football IQ and leadership qualities, now continuing his legacy at Barcelona. 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