Ugandan TikToker Jailed for Insulting President Museveni Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jul 11, 2024 ​ A 24-year-old Ugandan TikToker, Edward Awebwa, has been sentenced to six years in prison for posting a video insulting President Yoweri Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, and their son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The court found Awebwa guilty of hate speech and spreading "misleading and malicious" information. Charges and Sentencing Awebwa faced charges for making abusive remarks, including claims that there would be an increase in taxes under President Museveni. Despite pleading guilty and asking for forgiveness, the presiding magistrate, Stella Maris Amabilis, noted that Awebwa did not appear remorseful. She stated that the vulgar language used in the video warranted a punishment that would teach him to respect the president and his family. Awebwa received a six-year sentence for each of the four charges, which will run concurrently. Human Rights Concerns Rights groups frequently criticize Ugandan authorities for human rights violations and restricting freedom of expression. In 2022, acclaimed Ugandan author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija faced similar charges for "offensive communication" after criticizing the president and his son on Twitter. Rukirabashaija fled to Germany after claiming he was tortured during his month-long detention. Activist and writer Stella Nyanzi also experienced imprisonment after publishing a critical poem about President Museveni. She, too, has since gone into exile. Legal and Political Context President Museveni, in power since 1986, signed a controversial law in 2022 that critics argue suppresses online freedom of speech. Although the constitutional court ruled that a section of the act penalizing "offensive communication" was unconstitutional, broader laws still pose challenges to free expression. Ugandan human rights lawyer Michael Aboneka commented on the case, stating that the charges against Awebwa are part of an ongoing legal battle. Aboneka emphasized that public figures, including the president and his family, should expect criticism and questioned the practicality of arresting every critic in 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

BREAKING NEWS: UPDF Soldiers Shot in Congo Rebel Ambush Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Justin Norris Oct 17, 2023 ​ The FADRC and UPDF joint forces in DR Congo intercepted a shipment of Ugandan army uniforms destined for DR Congo.(IMAGE: Courtesy | theKR Media) According to a report by ChimpReports, two UPDF soldiers were injured in an ambush by rebels in the volatile eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (EAC) 1. The incident occurred at around 10:00 am and the soldiers were admitted in critical condition at the UPDF field hospital in Bunagana 1. The injured UPDF soldiers were later transferred to Kisoro Regional Referral Hospital for better medical care 1. The UPDF is now investigating the identities of the attackers It is suspected that M23 rebels conducted today’s ambush. However, Brig Felix Kulayigye, an army spokesperson, quickly dismissed the claim that M23 was behind today’s ambush, saying, “They are not co-located with us. We are occupying areas they vacated” East African leaders earlier this year deployed the East African Regional Force (EACRF) to facilitate the disarmament and cantonment of militia groups operating in eastern DRC. The troop-contributing countries are Burundi, South Sudan, Kenya and Uganda. Following the deployment of EACRF, M23 handed over some of its territories to EACRF. However, the DRC government said the M23 rebels later reclaimed some areas they previously controlled UPDF soldiers returned fire as soon as they came under attack by the rebels. “Of course, we responded to the attack and the rebels, who were about 6 in number in a banana plantation, fled,” said Kulayigye 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 Braces for Fresh Protests Despite Presidential Tax Climbdown Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jun 27, 2024 Kenyan protester holding a flag during protests Kenyan authorities have increased security measures as protesters vow to occupy the presidential palace, despite President William Ruto's decision to withdraw the contentious finance bill . The bill, which proposed tax hikes, had sparked a week of intense demonstrations, resulting in at least 23 fatalities and a brief storming of parliament. Protests and Government Response On Thursday, police and soldiers patrolled the streets of Nairobi, setting up roadblocks to prevent access to the State House. Tear gas was used to disperse small crowds in the city center, though turnout was lower compared to earlier protests. Demonstrations also occurred in Mombasa and Kisumu, with hundreds gathering peacefully. Despite the bill's withdrawal, protestors remain divided on their next steps. Prominent activist Boniface Mwangi supports continued protests but opposes the invasion of State House, fearing it could escalate violence. Calls for Political Overhaul Some protest leaders, including Davis Tafari, insist that only President Ruto's resignation and fresh elections will satisfy their demands. In Kibera, a hotspot for protests, Eli Owuor expressed willingness to join a push on State House to demonstrate their resolve. Economic Implications President Ruto defended the tax increases, citing the need to address Kenya's high debt and financial challenges. However, he acknowledged public opposition and announced plans for dialogue with the youth and budget cuts, starting with the presidency. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expressed concern over the recent violence and emphasized the need for economic stability. Analysts warn that shifting focus to spending cuts might complicate future IMF funding and delay fiscal consolidation. Broad-Based Protests Unlike past demonstrations, these protests have gained widespread support across Kenya's 47 counties, including Ruto's hometown of Eldoret. The protests are driven by frustration over rising living costs and corruption, transcending ethnic lines. Casualties and Injuries The Kenya Medical Association reported 23 deaths and numerous injuries, with medical officials treating many for bullet wounds. 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 Appeal Court Suspends Order Halting Shell Drilling Along Wild Coast Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Griffith Sarah Jun 3, 2024 ​ shell gas station A South African appeal court has overturned a previous ruling that halted offshore exploration by Shell (SHEL.L) along the Wild Coast. This development, revealed in court documents on Monday, provides a significant boost to oil companies aiming to explore South Africa's east coast. Supreme Court of Appeal Decision In a widely anticipated move, the Supreme Court of Appeal suspended the earlier decision by a lower court, which had put a stop to Shell's exploration activities in the environmentally sensitive region. This ruling offers a lifeline to oil companies interested in the area's rich potential. Impact on Oil Exploration The suspension of the halting order means that Shell and other oil companies can resume their exploration efforts along the Wild Coast. This region, known for its biodiversity and ecological significance, has been a focal point of environmental and economic debates. Environmental Concerns Environmental groups had previously celebrated the lower court's decision to halt exploration, citing the potential risks to marine life and the broader ecosystem. However, the appeal court's suspension has reignited concerns about the balance between economic development and environmental protection. Future Implications This ruling may set a precedent for future legal battles between environmentalists and the oil industry in South Africa. The Wild Coast's exploration activities are likely to continue to attract significant attention from both sides of the debate. 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

UNHRC Urges UK to Halt Rwanda Refugee Deportation Plan Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Griffith Sarah Mar 29, 2024 ​ Pretesters on London street against the Rwanda-Uk Asylum seeker deportation Deal The United Nations Human Rights Committee has made a strong appeal to the UK to drop its controversial bill for deporting refugees to Rwanda. This bill, poised to become law soon, has been criticized for its potential conflict with international law, especially in light of a UK Supreme Court ruling deeming the Rwanda transfer arrangement unlawful. The committee expressed concern over the UK's deals with third countries like Rwanda for asylum seeker transfers and the proposed "Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill. " It emphasized the legal and humanitarian risks involved, highlighting the Supreme Court's concerns over the safety of deportees potentially being compromised. The UK government, under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, argues that the plan could deter illegal crossings by asylum seekers via small boats. However, legal hurdles have so far blocked any deportations to Rwanda, with the Supreme Court identifying a significant risk to the deportees' safety . 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

Chad has commenced vote counting in its first presidential election since a series of coups Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Griffith Sarah May 7, 2024 ​ Polling station officials started counting the votes © Joris Bolomey / AFP Chad has commenced vote counting in its first presidential election since a series of coups shook Africa's Sahel region. The election in N'Djamena was marked by heightened security with dozens of soldiers and riot police patrolling the streets amid rising tensions, a contrast to the usual bustle during the final hours of voting. The capital's southern neighborhoods, known for their opposition support, saw the deployment of at least 30 armored and other military vehicles. The election was marred by violence when unidentified gunmen opened fire at a polling station in Moundou, the country's second-largest city, resulting in the death of at least one voter. Further complications arose as nomads, comprising about 7% of Chad's population, were unable to vote on the designated early voting day due to logistical issues, adding to the tension and frustration among voters. Incumbent President Mahamat Idriss Deby, who ascended to power following the death of his father Idriss Deby in 2021, was seen as the front-runner. His main competition came from his prime minister and former political opponent Succes Masra, who returned from exile to participate, and former prime minister Albert Pahimi Padacke, among seven others. The election campaign was also shadowed by the assassination of opposition politician Yaya Dillo in February, intensifying concerns over the fairness of the elections and sparking calls from some opposition groups and civil society for a boycott, raising fears of further violence. 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

Anglo American CEO Discusses Future Post-BHP's $39 Billion Takeover Bid with South Africa's Mines Minister Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond May 5, 2024 ​ In a significant development, Anglo American's CEO, Duncan Wanblad, is set to meet South Africa's Mines Minister Gwede Mantashe on Friday. This meeting marks the first interaction between the two since Anglo American rebuffed a staggering $39 billion takeover offer from BHP Group, the largest listed mining group globally. Sources close to the matter highlight that BHP is not stepping back, despite the rejection. The mining giant is currently engaging privately with investors to strategize its subsequent actions. Amidst these talks, another commodities heavyweight, Glencore, is reportedly considering entering the fray, potentially triggering a bidding war for Anglo American, a venerable institution in the mining world established 107 years ago. Anglo American has maintained silence over the specifics of the upcoming discussion with Minister Mantashe. The company's decision to reject BHP's initial proposal was unanimous, citing the bid as opportunistic and a significant undervaluation of Anglo American's long-term value. A controversial aspect of BHP’s proposal involved Anglo American divesting from its South African entities , notably Anglo Platinum (Amplats) and Kumba Iron Ore. This suggested divestiture raises concerns among Anglo's investors, wary of potential losses from the South African subsidiaries if they were to be spun off. Further complicating the scenario is the potential reaction from South African regulatory bodies, including the central bank, which may view the un-bundling and associated capital outflows with apprehension, especially from foreign investors hesitant to retain shares in the local assets. As the mining sector watches closely, the outcomes of these discussions could reshape not only the future of Anglo American but also the broader dynamics of the mining industry in South 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

Niger Revokes French Firm's Permit for Major Uranium Mine Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond Jun 22, 2024 A Uranium mine in Niger NIAMEY, Niger – Niger's military government has revoked the permit of French fuel producer Orano to operate at the Imouraren mine, one of the world's largest uranium reserves. The mine, located in northern Niger, holds an estimated 200,000 tonnes of uranium, a key material for nuclear energy production. Background and Delays Orano had faced years of production delays at the Imouraren site. The West African nation had warned the French company that its license would expire unless work resumed. On June 11, roughly a week before the deadline, Orano announced the resumption of operations. However, by Thursday, the permit was withdrawn. Tensions and Political Context The decision comes amid escalating tensions between France and Niger's ruling junta. Since the military coup last year, Niger has been distancing itself from France and building closer ties with Russia. Relations deteriorated further in December when the junta expelled French troops deployed to combat Islamist militants. Economic and Legal Implications Orano expressed concerns about the negative impact of the permit withdrawal on the region's economic and social development. The company, which has been active in Niger for over 50 years, stated it might pursue legal action and remains open to dialogue with Nigerien authorities. Historical Context Niger, a major global uranium producer, had previously indicated it would rescind Orano's license if development at Imouraren did not commence by June 19. Mining was initially set to begin in 2015 but was delayed due to a collapse in global uranium prices following the 2011 Japanese nuclear disaster. Current Operations While the Akokan uranium mine has been closed since 2021, Orano continues to operate another mine in the northern region of Arlit. The Nigerien government has yet to comment on Orano's recent statement. 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' World Cup Dreams in Jeopardy After Shocking Defeat to Benin Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Prince Jean Jun 11, 2024 ​ Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire – Nigeria's World Cup aspirations are hanging by a thread following a 2-1 loss to Benin, leaving the Super Eagles with only three points from four matches in the second qualifying window for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team, appearing disengaged for most of the match, now faces an uphill battle with six games remaining. While the defeat does not entirely eliminate Nigeria's chances, the path to qualification is now steeper than ever. To secure a spot in the World Cup, the Super Eagles must win all six of their remaining matches—a prospect that seems increasingly unlikely based on their recent performances against South Africa and Benin. Match Highlights and Tactical Decisions Head coach Finidi George made three changes to the starting lineup following a disappointing draw with South Africa. Raphael Onyedika opened the scoring in the 27th minute, but Nigeria's lead was short-lived. Defensive errors allowed Benin to equalize and then take the lead before halftime, with goals from Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounié. The Super Eagles failed to mount any significant threat in the second half, allowing Benin to secure their first-ever victory over Nigeria at this level and temporarily top the group. George's decision to abandon the solid back three formation, which had previously taken Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations final, in favor of a back four, proved costly. Injuries to key defenders such as William Troost-Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo forced George to make unorthodox positional changes, including deploying right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel at left-back and center-back Benjamin Tanimu at right-back, both of which were unsuccessful. Despite reverting to a more conventional setup after Osayi-Samuel's injury, the damage was already done. The defensive instability contributed to the three goals conceded over two matches, highlighting the necessity for a more cohesive and familiar backline. Player Accountability and Coaching Criticism In his post-match comments, George emphasized the need for player commitment and hinted at the team's lack of cohesion and spirit. Fans and analysts alike have questioned both the players' performances and George's tactical decisions, particularly his substitutions. The removal of Alex Iwobi, who was one of Nigeria's most industrious players, drew significant criticism as it disrupted the midfield and led to a reliance on ineffective long balls. The loss has intensified scrutiny on George's tenure, which could become one of the shortest in Super Eagles history. The Nigerian sports minister, John Owan Enoh, has demanded a comprehensive technical report from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to explain the poor performances and outline potential consequences. With Nigeria's World Cup hopes dwindling, the coming days will be critical for the Super Eagles and their coaching staff. Significant improvements are necessary to turn the tide and keep their World Cup dream alive. 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

Internet Connectivity Restored in Parts of Africa After Widespread Outages Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 15, 2024 ​ Most affected countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Benin, Ghana, and Burkina Faso Last Thursday, a significant internet disruption affected various countries across Africa, including South Africa, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Benin, Ghana, and Burkina Faso. The outages, which created substantial inconvenience for millions, have seen partial restoration in Liberia and South Africa. Cloudflare Radar noted a specific pattern in the disruptions, suggesting a north-to-south impact trajectory. Experts speculate that undersea cable damage, potentially caused by debris or seabed instability, could be responsible. On land, cables may suffer from accidental or intentional harm. The consequences of these outages have been severe, especially for individuals and businesses reliant on online operations. In Ivory Coast, connectivity plummeted to about 4%, with similar reductions in Liberia, Benin, and Ghana, as reported by Netblocks. Companies like Vodacom in South Africa acknowledged the connectivity issues, attributing them to undersea cable failures. Nigeria's Lagos also reported a fault in the MainOne cable system. The disruptions have affected a range of services, from basic internet access and social media to international banking and voice calls. Authorities in affected countries, including the Liberian government and Ghana's National Communications Authority (NCA), have confirmed the incidents, linking them to issues with undersea cables like the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE). As restoration efforts continue, the impact of these outages highlights the critical dependence on stable internet in frastructure for both persona l and professional livelihoods across the 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

Zimbabwe Imposes Fines on Businesses Not Complying with New Currency Exchange Rate Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond May 11, 2024 ​ Reserve bank of Zimbabwe HARARE, May 10 – In a significant move to stabilize its economy, Zimbabwe has announced penalties for businesses that do not adhere to the official exchange rate for its new gold-backed currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG). This development comes as the government intensifies efforts to establish the ZiG as a stable monetary unit amidst ongoing economic challenges. Under the new regulations, any business entity using an exchange rate that exceeds the set official rate of 13.5 ZiG per U.S. dollar will face a substantial fine of 200,000 ZiG (approximately $14,815). This policy was detailed in a government notice that surfaced on Thursday, highlighting measures against what is described as civil infringement for overcharging in foreign currency terms. Since its introduction in early April, the ZiG has been at the center of Zimbabwe's strategy to correct its volatile economic environment. The government has actively pursued illegal currency traders and is now enforcing the ZiG as the mandatory currency for all transactions, a decision underscored by recent economic directives from Zimbabwe’s Treasury. The enforcement follows widespread resistance from both formal and informal sectors, with reports of businesses charging premiums or outright rejecting the new currency. This marks Zimbabwe’s fourth attempt within a decade to establish a local currency, following the rapid devaluation of the Zimdollar, which was abandoned last month after losing 70% of its value since January. 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 to Select Partner for First Nuclear Power Plant by December Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe May 21, 2024 ​ Symbolic image of Nuclear power plant under construction Accra, Ghana — Ghana is set to choose a company by December to construct its first nuclear power plant, with contenders including France's EDF, U.S.-based NuScale Power and Regnum Technology Group, and China National Nuclear Corporation. Robert Sogbadji, the deputy director for power in charge of nuclear and alternative energy at Ghana’s energy ministry, disclosed this on Monday. Additional competitors for the contract, expected to span the next decade, include South Korea’s Kepco and its subsidiary Korea Hydro Nuclear Power Corporation, and Russia’s ROSATOM. Sogbadji stated, "Cabinet will approve the final choice. It can be one vendor or two nations; it will depend on the financial model and the technical details." Historical Context and Current Goals Ghana initially considered building a nuclear power plant in the 1960s, but the project was halted by a coup. The plan was revived in 2006 with assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following a severe power crisis. Out of 16 countries and companies that responded to Ghana’s request for vendors, a technical team from state agencies led by the energy ministry narrowed it down to the current five contenders. Ghana aims to integrate approximately 1,000 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power into its energy mix by 2034. Regional Nuclear Developments Across Africa, several countries are exploring nuclear power to address electricity supply gaps. Over 600 million people on the continent lack access to electricity. Burkina Faso and Uganda have agreements with Russia and China to build their first nuclear power plants. Kenya, Morocco, and Namibia are also pursuing nuclear energy projects. South Africa, which operates Africa's only existing nuclear plant, plans to add 2,500 MW of nuclear power to combat its severe power shortages. Ghana’s Energy Ambitions Ghana currently has an installed capacity of 5,454 MW, with 4,483 MW available. The country, a notable exporter of oil, cocoa, and gold, expects nuclear power to become its base load, facilitating quicker industrialization and increasing energy exports to neighboring countries like Benin, Ivory Coast, and Togo through the West Africa Power Pool. The government has already secured a site capable of accommodating up to five reactors. Sogbadji indicated that Ghana prefers a "build, own, operate and transfer" arrangement that allows for local equity participation. Ghana’s decision to adopt nuclear power is a strategic move aimed at enhancing its energy security and boosting industrial growth. The final decision on the vendor, influenced by financial and technical considerations, will be pivotal in shaping the country's energy future. 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