Police are hunting gunmen after separate shootings in Wedela and Lwandle killed 27 people and wounded 26 in South Africa. JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Police are searching for gunmen after two separate shootings near Johannesburg and Cape Town killed 27 people and wounded 26 within hours, according to the South African Police Service. The attacks happened in different provinces and police have not announced evidence connecting them. Investigators also had not confirmed a motive or made arrests by the latest official updates. Police said eight armed men attacked a tavern in Wedela, Gauteng, killing 17 people and wounding 15. Hours later, multiple gunmen opened fire at a venue in Lwandle, Western Cape, killing 10 people and wounding 11. Separate provincial teams are investigating. The first attack occurred at about 9:30 PM South Africa time on Saturday, 26 September, at a tavern in Extension 3 of Wedela, in Gauteng's West Rand District. South African police said eight unidentified men arrived carrying rifles and pistols. The police account says the attackers first fired at patrons outside, then entered the tavern and continued shooting. Emergency workers declared 13 men and four women dead at the scene. Fifteen other people with gunshot wounds were taken to medical facilities. Police said some patrons were searched and had mobile phones taken before the gunmen fled in two vehicles. Two other vehicles were burned during the incident. Those details form part of the police account and do not establish a motive. The Gauteng investigation includes 17 murder cases, 15 attempted-murder cases and two property-damage cases, according to Al Jazeera's report based on the police statement . Ten killed hours later in Lwandle Continue Reading Full Article JUSTICE & CRIME South Africa Shootings Kill 27 as Police Hunt Gunmen By Kamau Bahati Entertainment Editor Kamau Bahati Home Comment Sep 27, 2026 Sep 27, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Police are searching for gunmen after two separate shootings near Johannesburg and Cape Town killed 27 people and wounded 26 within hours, according to the South African Police Service. The attacks happened in different provinces and police have not announced evidence connecting them. Investigators also had not confirmed a motive or made arrests by the latest official updates. Police said eight armed men attacked a tavern in Wedela, Gauteng, killing 17 people and wounding 15. Hours later, multiple gunmen opened fire at a venue in Lwandle, Western Cape, killing 10 people and wounding 11. Separate provincial teams are investigating. ADVERTISEMENT The first attack occurred at about 9:30 PM South Africa time on Saturday, 26 September, at a tavern in Extension 3 of Wedela, in Gauteng's West Rand District. South African police said eight unidentified men arrived carrying rifles and pistols. The police account says the attackers first fired at patrons outside, then entered the tavern and continued shooting. Emergency workers declared 13 men and four women dead at the scene. Fifteen other people with gunshot wounds were taken to medical facilities. Police said some patrons were searched and had mobile phones taken before the gunmen fled in two vehicles. Two other vehicles were burned during the incident. Those details form part of the police account and do not establish a motive. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Elections Monitoring South Africa Declares Election Results: What Comes Next? . Elections Monitoring South Africa Election Results: How to Read the Count . Elections Monitoring South Africa Elections 2026: Voting Hours, IDs and Ballots . Justice & Crime Julius Mkhwanazi, Kagiso Lerutla: Court Case Explained . Sports Trends Khanyisa Mayo Return Update: What Da Cruz Has Said . The Gauteng investigation includes 17 murder cases, 15 attempted-murder cases and two property-damage cases, according to Al Jazeera's report based on the police statement . Ten killed hours later in Lwandle The second shooting happened at about 1:46 AM on Sunday at a venue in Lwandle, near Cape Town. Police said five people died at the scene and five others died after being taken for medical treatment. Eleven wounded people remained under medical care when the first national updates were issued. ADVERTISEMENT Detectives were searching for multiple suspects, but police had not specified how many gunmen took part. The Reuters account carried by The Straits Times described the Lwandle location as an entertainment venue selling grilled meat. The Western Cape investigation is separate from the Wedela case. No official statement has established a link between the two groups of attackers. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Elections Monitoring South Africa Declares Election Results: What Comes Next? The IEC’s declaration moves attention to council leadership, coalition talks and unresolved contests. . Elections Monitoring South Africa Election Results: How to Read the Count A practical guide to partial tallies, projections, ward winners and municipal council seats. . Elections Monitoring South Africa Elections 2026: Voting Hours, IDs and Ballots South Africans vote on 4 November. Check polling times, voter details, IDs and ballot rules. . Justice & Crime Julius Mkhwanazi, Kagiso Lerutla: Court Case Explained The Ekurhuleni fraud and corruption case returned to the news on 3 November 2026. . Tags Southern Africa News Southern Africa News Breaking News Breaking News South Africa South Africa

Lazola Maku’s biography covers his age, Ubuntu development, family background, Amajita achievements and Mamelodi Sundowns signing in October 2026. Lazola Maku is a South African midfielder whose rise through Ubuntu Football and the national youth teams has brought him to Mamelodi Sundowns. On 20 October 2026, Sundowns announced his signing, according to GOAL’s report reproducing the club’s welcome statement. The move follows a period as a free agent and a growing record with Amajita, South Africa’s Under-20 side. At 19, Maku already has a continental youth title and a place in CAF’s tournament Best XI behind him. His story also includes education, family responsibility and the challenge of turning youth-team achievement into a sustained club career. Who is Lazola Maku? Lazola Maku is a South African midfielder born on 10 April 2007. An Ubuntu-developed player and Amajita captain, he helped South Africa win the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations and earned tournament Best XI recognition. His Mamelodi Sundowns signing was announced in October 2026. The Sundowns move opens a new chapter GOAL’s signing report identifies Maku as a free-agent arrival following his departure from Siwelele FC. It reproduces Sundowns’ announcement welcoming him to the club, moving the story beyond the earlier reports of negotiations. The opportunity comes at a formative point. Maku has earned recognition through age-group football, while the next stage concerns his development within a new club environment. A signing announcement establishes the move; selection, playing time and the role he earns must follow on the pitch. For Maku, the immediate task is to build on his midfield experience and leadership without treating his youth honours as a guarantee of senior success. His career remains at an early stage, even as the achievements behind the move are substantial. His age, height and Cape Town background Maku was born on 10 April 2007 , making him 19 years old on 20 October 2026 . FIFA’s 2025 Under-20 World Cup squad list records that birth date, lists him as a midfielder and gives his height as 169 centimetres . The height is a tournament-record measurement rather than a new medical assessment. In a June 2025 interview, he described a background connecting Cape Town with Qumbu in the Eastern Cape. Those places form part of the personal story behind a football career that has taken him through academy, reserve and international youth competition. Continue Reading Full Article BIOGRAPHY Lazola Maku Biography: Age, Amajita Career and Sundowns Move By Kamau Bahati Entertainment Editor Kamau Bahati Home Comment Oct 20, 2026 Oct 20, 2026 7 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Lazola Maku is a South African midfielder whose rise through Ubuntu Football and the national youth teams has brought him to Mamelodi Sundowns. On 20 October 2026, Sundowns announced his signing, according to GOAL’s report reproducing the club’s welcome statement. The move follows a period as a free agent and a growing record with Amajita, South Africa’s Under-20 side. At 19, Maku already has a continental youth title and a place in CAF’s tournament Best XI behind him. His story also includes education, family responsibility and the challenge of turning youth-team achievement into a sustained club career. Who is Lazola Maku? Lazola Maku is a South African midfielder born on 10 April 2007. An Ubuntu-developed player and Amajita captain, he helped South Africa win the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations and earned tournament Best XI recognition. His Mamelodi Sundowns signing was announced in October 2026. The Sundowns move opens a new chapter GOAL’s signing report identifies Maku as a free-agent arrival following his departure from Siwelele FC. It reproduces Sundowns’ announcement welcoming him to the club, moving the story beyond the earlier reports of negotiations. The opportunity comes at a formative point. Maku has earned recognition through age-group football, while the next stage concerns his development within a new club environment. A signing announcement establishes the move; selection, playing time and the role he earns must follow on the pitch. For Maku, the immediate task is to build on his midfield experience and leadership without treating his youth honours as a guarantee of senior success. His career remains at an early stage, even as the achievements behind the move are substantial. ADVERTISEMENT His age, height and Cape Town background Maku was born on 10 April 2007 , making him 19 years old on 20 October 2026 . FIFA’s 2025 Under-20 World Cup squad list records that birth date, lists him as a midfielder and gives his height as 169 centimetres . The height is a tournament-record measurement rather than a new medical assessment. In a June 2025 interview, he described a background connecting Cape Town with Qumbu in the Eastern Cape. Those places form part of the personal story behind a football career that has taken him through academy, reserve and international youth competition. Ubuntu gave him an early senior opportunity Maku developed at Ubuntu before joining SuperSport United’s structures. His former coach Moritz Kossmann recalled giving him an ABC Motsepe League debut at 14 in an interview with iDiski Times . That distinction is useful: his first senior opportunity in the lower divisions came before his later progress toward top-flight football. Academy development, reserve-team appearances and a Premiership debut are different milestones. Kossmann’s account also places Maku within a group of Ubuntu-developed players who later represented South Africa. It shows a development pathway built over several years, rather than a player appearing suddenly because of one tournament or transfer. Continental recognition with Amajita The 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations provided a decisive platform. South Africa won its first title in the competition, and Maku was included in CAF’s official tournament Best XI , announced on 19 May 2025. His selection was individual recognition within a team achievement. It should be distinguished from the tournament’s Best Player award, which CAF gave to Tylon Smith. The distinction helps explain Maku’s reputation without exaggerating it. He was recognized among the competition’s leading performers, while the continental title belonged to the whole South African team under Raymond Mdaka. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Elections Monitoring South Africa Declares Election Results: What Comes Next? . Elections Monitoring South Africa Election Results: How to Read the Count . Elections Monitoring South Africa Elections 2026: Voting Hours, IDs and Ballots . Justice & Crime Julius Mkhwanazi, Kagiso Lerutla: Court Case Explained . Sports Trends Khanyisa Mayo Return Update: What Da Cruz Has Said . Austria, captaincy and professional habits By September 2026, Maku had spent time on trial with SV Ried, Wacker Innsbruck and Rapid Vienna. In a direct interview carried by SABC Sport , he described the experience as an education in professional expectations and adapting to another football environment. “Being a professional at an early age is really important,” he said. He returned to lead Amajita’s COSAFA campaign, having previously worn the armband on occasions during the 2025 AFCON. A trial is an assessment opportunity, however, and should not be described as a completed European transfer. The same interview recorded comparisons with N’Golo Kanté, linked to his stature and playing style. Such comparisons describe how others saw him; they do not make the two players’ records or abilities equivalent. Family support and education Maku has spoken directly about the people who raised him. In his Sunday World interview , he said: “I was raised by my mother and grandmother.” He explained that their support motivated him and spoke about wanting to help his younger brother. His account places family responsibility alongside football ambition. It is his own description of his upbringing, rather than a reason to speculate about relatives’ private lives. Education was part of that development too. Noordwyk Secondary School’s tribute , associated with the May 2025 final, identifies him as a Grade 12 learner and celebrates his perseverance in the classroom. That is a dated school record; it does not establish a later graduation result. Lazola Maku’s career timeline Year Event Significance 2007 Born on 10 April Birth date recorded by FIFA Before 2025 Developed at Ubuntu and progressed to SuperSport’s structures Built his foundation in club football 2025 Won U-20 AFCON with South Africa; selected in CAF’s Best XI Earned continental recognition 2025 Listed in South Africa’s U-20 World Cup squad Continued on the international youth stage 2026 Undertook Austrian trials and led Amajita Added overseas experience and captaincy 2026 Sundowns signing announced in October Began a new club chapter ADVERTISEMENT Frequently Asked Questions How old is Lazola Maku? He is 19 as of 20 October 2026, based on FIFA’s recorded birth date of 10 April 2007. What position does Lazola Maku play? He is a midfielder. His documented career includes a role in the centre of South Africa’s youth national team. Has Lazola Maku joined Mamelodi Sundowns? GOAL reported Sundowns’ signing announcement on 20 October 2026 and reproduced the club’s welcome statement. Which academy developed Lazola Maku? He developed at Ubuntu before progressing to SuperSport United’s structures. Did Lazola Maku win an AFCON award? He made CAF’s 2025 U-20 tournament Best XI. The separate Best Player award went to Tylon Smith. How tall is Lazola Maku? FIFA’s 2025 Under-20 World Cup squad list records his height as 169 centimetres. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Elections Monitoring South Africa Declares Election Results: What Comes Next? The IEC’s declaration moves attention to council leadership, coalition talks and unresolved contests. . Elections Monitoring South Africa Election Results: How to Read the Count A practical guide to partial tallies, projections, ward winners and municipal council seats. . Elections Monitoring South Africa Elections 2026: Voting Hours, IDs and Ballots South Africans vote on 4 November. Check polling times, voter details, IDs and ballot rules. . Justice & Crime Julius Mkhwanazi, Kagiso Lerutla: Court Case Explained The Ekurhuleni fraud and corruption case returned to the news on 3 November 2026. . Tags Southern Africa News Southern Africa News South Africa South Africa

Rapper Riderman says critics who mocked his genre-blending music now embrace similar styles, reflecting shifts in Rwanda’s rap scene. Rwandan rapper Riderman says artists who once criticized him for blending rap with other music genres have since adopted the same approach. Speaking during an appearance on IGIHE Sports Club, Riderman reflected on criticism he faced more than a decade ago, when Rwanda’s rap scene strongly favored traditional hip-hop. At the time, artists who mixed rap with genres such as Afrobeats and reggae were often dismissed by peers. Riderman said the criticism created pressure but did not influence his artistic direction. He explained that he remained focused on his goals and continued producing music across different styles, confident in his creative vision. He noted that many of the artists who once criticized him are now producing genre-blended music themselves. According to Riderman, this shift highlights how musical trends and attitudes within Rwanda’s music industry have evolved over time. Asked whether the criticism ever made him consider changing his approach, Riderman said it did not. He added that his albums still feature a variety of musical styles and that resistance only motivated him to continue experimenting. Riderman has been active in Rwanda’s music industry for nearly 20 years and is regarded as one of the country’s leading rap artists. He said he plans to hold a concert later this year to celebrate his career milestones. Source IGIHE Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Riderman Says Critics of His Genre Mixing Have Come Around By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Feb 4, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Rwandan rapper Riderman says artists who once criticized him for blending rap with other music genres have since adopted the same approach. Speaking during an appearance on IGIHE Sports Club, Riderman reflected on criticism he faced more than a decade ago, when Rwanda’s rap scene strongly favored traditional hip-hop. At the time, artists who mixed rap with genres such as Afrobeats and reggae were often dismissed by peers. ADVERTISEMENT Riderman said the criticism created pressure but did not influence his artistic direction. He explained that he remained focused on his goals and continued producing music across different styles, confident in his creative vision. He noted that many of the artists who once criticized him are now producing genre-blended music themselves. According to Riderman, this shift highlights how musical trends and attitudes within Rwanda’s music industry have evolved over time. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education 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 . Asked whether the criticism ever made him consider changing his approach, Riderman said it did not. He added that his albums still feature a variety of musical styles and that resistance only motivated him to continue experimenting. Riderman has been active in Rwanda’s music industry for nearly 20 years and is regarded as one of the country’s leading rap artists. He said he plans to hold a concert later this year to celebrate his career milestones. ADVERTISEMENT Source IGIHE 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 Rwandan Entertainment Rwandan Entertainment Rwanda Rwanda

Nairobi, Kenya — Equity Bank, a leading financial institution in East Africa, has reported a significant resurgence in its profitability during the first quarter of 2024. Following a challenging 2023 where net profits decreased by 6.48% to KSh 41.98 billion, the bank has now bounced back, announcing an impressive KSh 16 billion profit after tax for the period ending March 2024. James Mwangi, the CEO of Equity Bank, attributed the previous year's profit decline to increased provisioning for bad loans, which had doubled. However, the turnaround in 2024 has been swift and substantial. Mr. Mwangi credits this recovery to a robust customer base, an expanding network, and a significant increase in deposits. "Our strategic focus on customer service and expanding our reach has begun to pay off, marking a promising start to the year," said Mwangi. The positive results for the first quarter indicate not only a recovery from the dip experienced in 2023 but also signal strong potential for continued growth. Equity Bank has also been acknowledged on a global scale, recently ranked as the world’s second-strongest financial brand. Moreover, it continues to hold the prestigious title of Africa’s strongest banking brand and East Africa’s most valuable brand, showcasing its dominant position in the regional market. This resurgence is pivotal as it reflects the resilience and strategic agility of Equity Bank amidst economic challenges. The bank's focus on expanding its customer base and its innovative banking solutions are key factors contributing to its robust performance. Investors and customers alike will be watching closely to see if Equity Bank can maintain this positive trajectory through the rest of the year. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment May 13, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Equity Centre in Nairobi's Upper Hill. Nairobi, Kenya — Equity Bank, a leading financial institution in East Africa, has reported a significant resurgence in its profitability during the first quarter of 2024. Following a challenging 2023 where net profits decreased by 6.48% to KSh 41.98 billion, the bank has now bounced back, announcing an impressive KSh 16 billion profit after tax for the period ending March 2024. James Mwangi, the CEO of Equity Bank, attributed the previous year's profit decline to increased provisioning for bad loans, which had doubled. However, the turnaround in 2024 has been swift and substantial. Mr. Mwangi credits this recovery to a robust customer base, an expanding network, and a significant increase in deposits. "Our strategic focus on customer service and expanding our reach has begun to pay off, marking a promising start to the year," said Mwangi. ADVERTISEMENT The positive results for the first quarter indicate not only a recovery from the dip experienced in 2023 but also signal strong potential for continued growth. Equity Bank has also been acknowledged on a global scale, recently ranked as the world’s second-strongest financial brand. Moreover, it continues to hold the prestigious title of Africa’s strongest banking brand and East Africa’s most valuable brand, showcasing its dominant position in the regional market. This resurgence is pivotal as it reflects the resilience and strategic agility of Equity Bank amidst economic challenges. The bank's focus on expanding its customer base and its innovative banking solutions are key factors contributing to its robust performance. Investors and customers alike will be watching closely to see if Equity Bank can maintain this positive trajectory through the rest of the year. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

Download Usione by Msamiati ft Dayoo. Explore the meaning, release details, and background of the new Bongo Flava collaboration. Download Usione by Msamiati ft Dayoo MP3 Kenya Bongo Flava 2026 Download Usione by Msamiati ft Dayoo. Explore the meaning, release details, and background of the new Bongo Flava collaboration. Download MP3 VIEW LYRICS Usione Msamiati 00:00 / 03:19 Share this song Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Copy link Artist Msamiati Release Date June 12, 2026 Genre Quality Downloads You May Also Like Tanzania Bongo Flava Amani Chino Kidd . focus Alikiba . Jitahidi Adam Berry . yanga kontawa . Kitu Barnaba ft abigail . : Free Lady Jaydee . Yeye Harmonize . : I Love You : Zuchu . Official Music Video More Songs By More By View All Songs Song Details Artist: Msamiati Title: Usione Featured: Genre: Release Date: Jun 12, 2026 Format: About the Song Released in June 2026, the song arrived alongside an official music video that was uploaded to YouTube and has already started generating audience engagement among Bongo Flava and Tanzanian hip-hop fans. SONG DETAILS Artist: Msamiati (Freddy… Trending Downloads Thank You Bensoul . Chukwu Okike Phyno . Ewe Xduppy . Thy Grace, Pt. 2 Kofi Kinaata . Caro StarBoy . Essence Wizkid . Latest Entertainment News Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Nigeria Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Kenya Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Eritrea Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Nigerian Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . Nigeria Jub Jub Arrest Warrant Issued After Missed Court Appearance . South Africa Bongo Flava Tanzania

Governor Ademola Adeleke ordered arrests and a new Osun park management system after Olalekan Ajagungbade was killed in Ile-Ife. OSOGBO, Nigeria — Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered police to arrest those responsible for the killing of Olalekan Ajagungbade, an Accord Party figure popularly known as Emir. The governor also directed rival groups to leave the state's motor parks and said a Park Management System would be reintroduced. What happened after Olalekan Ajagungbade was killed in Osun? Governor Ademola Adeleke ordered the police commissioner to pursue those responsible, told rival groups to vacate motor parks and announced the return of a Park Management System. Ajagungbade was killed during violence linked in initial reports to a park leadership dispute in Ile-Ife. What happened in Ile-Ife PUNCH reported that Ajagungbade was attacked during a meeting near Mayfair in Ile-Ife on Sunday afternoon. Initial accounts linked the violence to a dispute over control or leadership of a motor park. The exact sequence of the attack and the identity of the person who fired the fatal shot had not been established publicly at the reporting cutoff. Ajagungbade was identified as a chieftain of the Accord Party and was widely known by the nickname Emir. A graphic video showing his body circulated online after the attack. XTRAfrica is not linking to or reproducing that footage because it adds no reliable evidence about responsibility and risks compounding harm to his family. Early reporting also described clashes spreading beyond the original scene. PUNCH said police personnel took control of the Mayfair motor park, but the Osun State Police Command's spokesperson had not responded before the outlet filed its first report. That leaves operational details—such as arrests already made, recovered weapons or named suspects—unconfirmed. Adeleke orders arrests and clears the parks In an official statement , Adeleke directed the state commissioner of police to arrest everyone involved in the killing. He also ordered the groups involved in the motor-park dispute to leave the parks immediately and told security agencies to restore order. The statement was signed by the governor's spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. It called for calm and said there would be no protected offenders. The order is a demand for investigation and enforcement; it is not evidence that any named person has been found responsible. The government's description said the killing arose from a park leadership tussle, but used cautious language. Politics Nigeria also reported the governor's response. Where secondary accounts use labels such as “gunmen” or “ally,” those descriptions should not substitute for findings from police investigators. Continue Reading Full Article CRIME PREVENTION Adeleke Orders Arrests After Ajagungbade Killing By Kamau Bahati Entertainment Editor Kamau Bahati Home Comment Sep 14, 2026 Sep 14, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: OSOGBO, Nigeria — Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered police to arrest those responsible for the killing of Olalekan Ajagungbade, an Accord Party figure popularly known as Emir. The governor also directed rival groups to leave the state's motor parks and said a Park Management System would be reintroduced. What happened after Olalekan Ajagungbade was killed in Osun? Governor Ademola Adeleke ordered the police commissioner to pursue those responsible, told rival groups to vacate motor parks and announced the return of a Park Management System. Ajagungbade was killed during violence linked in initial reports to a park leadership dispute in Ile-Ife. What happened in Ile-Ife PUNCH reported that Ajagungbade was attacked during a meeting near Mayfair in Ile-Ife on Sunday afternoon. Initial accounts linked the violence to a dispute over control or leadership of a motor park. The exact sequence of the attack and the identity of the person who fired the fatal shot had not been established publicly at the reporting cutoff. Ajagungbade was identified as a chieftain of the Accord Party and was widely known by the nickname Emir. A graphic video showing his body circulated online after the attack. XTRAfrica is not linking to or reproducing that footage because it adds no reliable evidence about responsibility and risks compounding harm to his family. Early reporting also described clashes spreading beyond the original scene. PUNCH said police personnel took control of the Mayfair motor park, but the Osun State Police Command's spokesperson had not responded before the outlet filed its first report. That leaves operational details—such as arrests already made, recovered weapons or named suspects—unconfirmed. ADVERTISEMENT Adeleke orders arrests and clears the parks In an official statement , Adeleke directed the state commissioner of police to arrest everyone involved in the killing. He also ordered the groups involved in the motor-park dispute to leave the parks immediately and told security agencies to restore order. The statement was signed by the governor's spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. It called for calm and said there would be no protected offenders. The order is a demand for investigation and enforcement; it is not evidence that any named person has been found responsible. The government's description said the killing arose from a park leadership tussle, but used cautious language. Politics Nigeria also reported the governor's response. Where secondary accounts use labels such as “gunmen” or “ally,” those descriptions should not substitute for findings from police investigators. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Sports Trends After the Flamingos’ World Title, What Comes Next for Girls’ Football? . Business Trends Lwazi Bam Named to MTN Nigeria Board From 1 December . | Appointments Dapo Akande Elected ICJ Judge: UK-Nigerian Lawyer's 2026 Win . Biography Dapo Akande Biography: Nigerian-British Lawyer Elected to ICJ . Energy and Power Africa Energy Bank Explained: Funding, Purpose and Projects . What the Park Management System changes Adeleke said Osun would reintroduce a Park Management System to oversee motor parks and garages. He promised an executive order to give the structure legal and administrative effect. At the cutoff, the governor had announced that order but the final text was not yet linked from the statement. The policy response matters because control of transport hubs can involve ticketing, union authority, revenue collection and access to routes. Removing rival groups from parks is intended to stop an immediate cycle of retaliation; the management framework will determine who administers the sites afterward. Readers should distinguish the immediate security directive from the promised executive order. Police can act on violence and public order now, while the longer-term governance structure still needs a published instrument, implementation rules and identifiable officials. A politically charged setting Ajagungbade's death comes during an already tense political period in Osun. XTRAfrica has covered Davido's alignment with Governor Adeleke in the Accord Party and the singer's earlier decision to pause music activities for Adeleke's campaign . Those political links do not establish a motive for Sunday's killing. ADVERTISEMENT Osun has also faced previous public claims of politically connected violence, including B-Red's account of an attack and pursuit in Osogbo . Each incident requires its own evidence. Reusing partisan narratives across unrelated cases would obscure rather than clarify what investigators know. What happens next The next reliable milestones are a police statement confirming arrests, the identification of suspects through lawful procedures, and publication of the promised executive order. Investigators also need to establish who fired the shot, whether other people were injured and how the violence spread. Until those facts are released, reports should state that Ajagungbade was killed during reported motor-park violence and that the governor ordered arrests. They should not assign criminal responsibility to a rival group, political party or individual on the basis of viral footage or anonymous claims. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Sports Trends After the Flamingos’ World Title, What Comes Next for Girls’ Football? Nigeria’s breakthrough puts regular competition, education and player welfare in focus. . Business Trends Lwazi Bam Named to MTN Nigeria Board From 1 December MTN Group's chief risk officer joins four other appointees in a November board announcement. . | Appointments Dapo Akande Elected ICJ Judge: UK-Nigerian Lawyer's 2026 Win Oxford professor Dapo Akande wins a nine-year ICJ term as Britain returns to the World Court. . Biography Dapo Akande Biography: Nigerian-British Lawyer Elected to ICJ Dapo Akande’s Nigerian education, Oxford career, international cases and 2026 ICJ election. . Tags Nigeria News Nigeria News Nigeria Nigeria

What Absa’s Dubai office can do, who it serves, how to enquire and why arranging financing does not mean a loan has been approved. 30 October 2026 — Absa has opened an office in Dubai International Financial Centre, with the opening announced on 29 October. For African businesses and Gulf investors, the immediate service question is what this presence enables: advice, investment arrangements and connections to banking expertise, with financing decisions still requiring separate agreement. What services does Absa’s Dubai office provide? The office can arrange investment deals, advise on financial products, and arrange and advise on credit for eligible clients. It connects Gulf businesses and investors with Absa’s African network. Reuters reports that the Dubai office will not lend from its own balance sheet. What the Dubai office is authorised to do According to DIFC’s opening announcement , Absa Bank Limited (DIFC Branch) holds a Category 4 licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority. Its stated permissions cover arranging investment deals, advising on financial products, and arranging and advising on credit. The announced audience includes Gulf companies, investors and financial institutions. The release identifies infrastructure, energy, logistics, agriculture and consumer goods among the areas of opportunity. Eligibility remains a question for the bank to confirm for each prospective client. The announcement refers to eligible clients but does not set out a universal minimum turnover, investment amount or loan size. A company should therefore establish whether its proposed transaction falls within the branch’s scope before treating a meeting as the start of a financing application. Does the opening mean new loans are available? Reuters reports that the office will not lend from its own balance sheet. Its role is to connect Gulf clients with Absa’s operations across 16 African markets. That distinction matters when assessing an offer. A discussion about raising money, an introduction to a specialist or an agreement to arrange financing does not, by itself, establish that a lender has committed funds. Continue Reading Full Article BANKING AND FINANCE Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts By Kamau Bahati Entertainment Editor Kamau Bahati Home Comment Oct 30, 2026 Oct 30, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: 30 October 2026 — Absa has opened an office in Dubai International Financial Centre, with the opening announced on 29 October. For African businesses and Gulf investors, the immediate service question is what this presence enables: advice, investment arrangements and connections to banking expertise, with financing decisions still requiring separate agreement. What services does Absa’s Dubai office provide? The office can arrange investment deals, advise on financial products, and arrange and advise on credit for eligible clients. It connects Gulf businesses and investors with Absa’s African network. Reuters reports that the Dubai office will not lend from its own balance sheet. What the Dubai office is authorised to do According to DIFC’s opening announcement , Absa Bank Limited (DIFC Branch) holds a Category 4 licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority. Its stated permissions cover arranging investment deals, advising on financial products, and arranging and advising on credit. The announced audience includes Gulf companies, investors and financial institutions. The release identifies infrastructure, energy, logistics, agriculture and consumer goods among the areas of opportunity. Eligibility remains a question for the bank to confirm for each prospective client. The announcement refers to eligible clients but does not set out a universal minimum turnover, investment amount or loan size. A company should therefore establish whether its proposed transaction falls within the branch’s scope before treating a meeting as the start of a financing application. ADVERTISEMENT Does the opening mean new loans are available? Reuters reports that the office will not lend from its own balance sheet. Its role is to connect Gulf clients with Absa’s operations across 16 African markets. That distinction matters when assessing an offer. A discussion about raising money, an introduction to a specialist or an agreement to arrange financing does not, by itself, establish that a lender has committed funds. Businesses can make the distinction explicit by asking: Which legal entity would provide the financing? Has that entity approved a facility, or is the proposal still being assessed? What conditions must be satisfied before money can be drawn? Which fees cover advice or arrangement, and which relate to any eventual borrowing? These are questions to put to Absa, rather than published requirements of the new office. They help separate the service being offered today from the funding a business hopes to secure later. How a business can make an enquiry Absa’s published Corporate and Investment Banking contact page provides a contact form and the corporate banking email address rsc.corpprc@absa.co.za . It also lists internationalbankingservices@absa.africa for international banking enquiries. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Healthcare System Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Education River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Justice & Human Rights Ghana Court Staff Strike: What Court Users Should Check . | Appointments Museveni's 13 Senior Nominees: Full List and PSC Review . These are group business-banking contact routes, not a separately advertised Dubai application portal. An enquiry can ask to be directed to the team responsible for Africa–Gulf transactions and to confirm whether the DIFC branch is the appropriate starting point. A useful first message would identify the business, its country of registration, the African market involved and the proposed transaction. It could also state whether the business wants advice, a banking introduction or consideration of financing. This is a suggested enquiry outline, not an official application checklist. Ask the responding team for its required documentation and a secure submission method. The public contact page does not establish a Dubai-specific processing deadline or guarantee that an enquiry will lead to an offer. Where existing customers should seek help For everyday account questions, Absa’s group contact directory directs customers to their relevant country website. It provides routes for markets including Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. A customer with an account problem can therefore continue through the bank serving that account. The Dubai announcement does not set out a replacement customer-support channel for African account holders. ADVERTISEMENT For a business already working with Absa, a practical question for its relationship manager is whether the proposed Gulf transaction should involve the new office. The answer should identify who will manage the relationship and which entity would supply any eventual product. What remains to be agreed with the bank The opening announcement does not publish a standard fee schedule, minimum transaction size or promised approval period. Those details matter as much as the availability of an introduction. Before accepting a proposal, request written clarity on the service, responsible entity, charges, currency and timetable. If borrowing is proposed, ask for the repayment terms and any security requirements. If only advisory work is being offered, establish what that engagement delivers and whether arranging funding is included. For African projects, the useful next milestone is a specific transaction with identifiable participants and documented terms. The office opening establishes a new point of contact; it does not establish that a particular road, factory or agricultural venture has secured financing. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Healthcare System Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination Patients face interrupted services as the labour dispute continues in Maniema. . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods Regional coordination is announced; funded actions and current local warnings determine readiness. . Education River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? A rights finding puts safe crossings and practical school access at the centre of the response. . Justice & Human Rights Ghana Court Staff Strike: What Court Users Should Check Unions maintain their walkout, leaving litigants needing court-specific instructions. . Tags Breaking News Breaking News Africa Africa

Bisola Aiyeola says she has never been asked for sex-for-roles as she highlights broader challenges in Nollywood. Media personality and actress Bisola Aiyeola has stated that she has never been subjected to sexual harassment or asked for sex in exchange for movie roles throughout her career in Nollywood. Aiyeola made the comment during a recent event, a clip of which was shared on YouTube. She addressed the broader challenges faced by actors and crew members in the industry, noting that sexual harassment is only one of several persistent issues. Sexual harassment, including sex-for-role allegations, remains a widely acknowledged problem within Nollywood, with many actresses and emerging talents reporting unwanted advances from individuals in positions of authority. Aiyeola said she was fortunate not to have encountered such situations. “Thankfully, I’ve never been asked for sex for roles. There are some of us that it has never happened to, so I don’t have a personal story about it. My talent has always spoken for me and is still speaking for me,” she said. She added that the industry also grapples with concerns such as physical harassment, long and irregular working hours, and the absence of health insurance. Aiyeola cautioned that focusing solely on sex-for-role cases could overshadow other critical issues. “It feels like when we’re only talking about sex for roles, we shelve all other major issues that also happen in the industry,” she noted. Continue Reading Full Article CELEBRITY GOSSIP Bisola Aiyeola Says She Has Never Faced Sexual Harassment in Nollywood By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Dec 7, 2025 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Media personality and actress Bisola Aiyeola has stated that she has never been subjected to sexual harassment or asked for sex in exchange for movie roles throughout her career in Nollywood. Aiyeola made the comment during a recent event, a clip of which was shared on YouTube. She addressed the broader challenges faced by actors and crew members in the industry, noting that sexual harassment is only one of several persistent issues. Sexual harassment, including sex-for-role allegations, remains a widely acknowledged problem within Nollywood, with many actresses and emerging talents reporting unwanted advances from individuals in positions of authority. ADVERTISEMENT Aiyeola said she was fortunate not to have encountered such situations. “Thankfully, I’ve never been asked for sex for roles. There are some of us that it has never happened to, so I don’t have a personal story about it. My talent has always spoken for me and is still speaking for me,” she said. She added that the industry also grapples with concerns such as physical harassment, long and irregular working hours, and the absence of health insurance. Aiyeola cautioned that focusing solely on sex-for-role cases could overshadow other critical issues. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education 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 . “It feels like when we’re only talking about sex for roles, we shelve all other major issues that also happen in the industry,” she noted. 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 Nigeria Nigeria

In a shocking revelation, a leaked list of phone numbers has exposed how Rwanda's President Paul Kagame used Pegasus spyware to track political opponents and members of his own party. Among the targets was Anne Rwigara, who died unexpectedly in California on December 28, 2023, at the age of 41. Anne's death adds to the series of tragedies that have befallen the Rwigara family. In 2015, Assinapol Rwigara, Anne’s father, died in a mysterious car accident. In 2017, her sister Diane Rwigara, a presidential hopeful, was imprisoned alongside their mother on charges of fraud and inciting insurrection, only to be acquitted in December 2018. Despite their acquittal, Anne’s phone number was added to the Pegasus spyware list in February 2019 . Pegasus, a tool by Israel’s NSO Group, allows remote phone infiltration. Forbidden Stories, part of the Rwanda Classified project, confirmed this targeting but couldn’t perform a forensic analysis on Anne’s device. Other notable figures targeted include former Justice Minister Tharcisse Karugarama, current Ambassador to Zimbabwe James Musoni, and Senior Presidential Advisor Professor Nshuti Manasseh. These revelations come as Rwanda prepares for the July 15 presidential elections, with Kagame expected to win again. Diane Rwigara, however, has announced her candidacy against him. The Rwandan government denies using Pegasus, claiming the contract with NSO Group ended in 2021. Yet, Israeli sources and watchdogs like Citizen Lab suggest otherwise. The international community watches closely as Rwanda’s political landscape heats up. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment May 29, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Anne Rwigara being held by Rwandan forces in Rwanda before her murder in The US In a shocking revelation, a leaked list of phone numbers has exposed how Rwanda's President Paul Kagame used Pegasus spyware to track political opponents and members of his own party. Among the targets was Anne Rwigara, who died unexpectedly in California on December 28, 2023, at the age of 41. Anne's death adds to the series of tragedies that have befallen the Rwigara family. In 2015, Assinapol Rwigara, Anne’s father, died in a mysterious car accident. In 2017, her sister Diane Rwigara, a presidential hopeful, was imprisoned alongside their mother on charges of fraud and inciting insurrection, only to be acquitted in December 2018. ADVERTISEMENT Despite their acquittal, Anne’s phone number was added to the Pegasus spyware list in February 2019 . Pegasus, a tool by Israel’s NSO Group, allows remote phone infiltration. Forbidden Stories, part of the Rwanda Classified project, confirmed this targeting but couldn’t perform a forensic analysis on Anne’s device. Other notable figures targeted include former Justice Minister Tharcisse Karugarama, current Ambassador to Zimbabwe James Musoni, and Senior Presidential Advisor Professor Nshuti Manasseh. These revelations come as Rwanda prepares for the July 15 presidential elections, with Kagame expected to win again. Diane Rwigara, however, has announced her candidacy against him. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today The Rwandan government denies using Pegasus, claiming the contract with NSO Group ended in 2021. Yet, Israeli sources and watchdogs like Citizen Lab suggest otherwise. The international community watches closely as Rwanda’s political landscape heats up. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

The DRC has launched legal action against MTN Rwanda over alleged unauthorized telecom services in rebel-held territory. Goma/Rutshuru – February 11, 2026, The Democratic Republic of Congo’s telecom regulator (ARPTC) has formally accused Rwanda and its affiliate, MTN Rwanda, of illegally providing mobile and internet services inside Congolese territory, specifically in the areas of Goma and Rutshuru, which are currently under partial control of the Rwandan army and M23/AFC rebel coalition. These territories, long acknowledged by the international community as Congolese, have been under unlawful occupation by M23 rebels, a proxy force widely documented as backed by Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s regime. “This constitutes a serious breach of Congo’s digital sovereignty,” the ARPTC said. “MTN Rwanda is operating without any legal authorization from Congolese authorities, and must be held accountable.” Digital Invasion Adds to Kigali’s Crimes This latest violation is more than a business dispute; it is an extension of Rwanda’s multi-front interference in the DRC. Already accused of military aggression, looting of mineral wealth, and supporting a rebel group responsible for massacres, Kigali now stands accused of violating international telecom laws and Congolese national regulations. The telecom watchdog confirmed it has referred the case to both national courts and international bodies. Legal experts say the move could trigger sanctions or revocation of operating licenses across borders, especially if MTN Group is found complicit. "Operating telecom infrastructure without state authorization in occupied territory is a violation of both national and international law,” noted a senior official at Congo’s Ministry of Justice. Congo Strikes Back: Legal Action Imminent Prime Minister Judith Suminwa has reportedly instructed the Ministry of Digital and International Cooperation to lodge formal complaints with regional regulatory bodies and the African Union. Sources indicate Congo may pursue sanctions against both MTN Rwanda and the Rwandan government for economic aggression. Observers warn this case could become a precedent in African digital sovereignty, particularly as telecom infrastructure becomes a battlefield for control in conflict zones. Continue Reading Full Article TECH AND STARTUPS DRC Accuses MTN Rwanda of Illegal Operations in Goma By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Feb 12, 2026 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Goma/Rutshuru – February 11, 2026, The Democratic Republic of Congo’s telecom regulator (ARPTC) has formally accused Rwanda and its affiliate, MTN Rwanda, of illegally providing mobile and internet services inside Congolese territory, specifically in the areas of Goma and Rutshuru, which are currently under partial control of the Rwandan army and M23/AFC rebel coalition. These territories, long acknowledged by the international community as Congolese, have been under unlawful occupation by M23 rebels, a proxy force widely documented as backed by Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s regime. “This constitutes a serious breach of Congo’s digital sovereignty,” the ARPTC said. “MTN Rwanda is operating without any legal authorization from Congolese authorities, and must be held accountable.” ADVERTISEMENT Digital Invasion Adds to Kigali’s Crimes This latest violation is more than a business dispute; it is an extension of Rwanda’s multi-front interference in the DRC. Already accused of military aggression, looting of mineral wealth, and supporting a rebel group responsible for massacres, Kigali now stands accused of violating international telecom laws and Congolese national regulations. The telecom watchdog confirmed it has referred the case to both national courts and international bodies. Legal experts say the move could trigger sanctions or revocation of operating licenses across borders, especially if MTN Group is found complicit. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Healthcare System Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Francophone DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . 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 . "Operating telecom infrastructure without state authorization in occupied territory is a violation of both national and international law,” noted a senior official at Congo’s Ministry of Justice. Congo Strikes Back: Legal Action Imminent Prime Minister Judith Suminwa has reportedly instructed the Ministry of Digital and International Cooperation to lodge formal complaints with regional regulatory bodies and the African Union. Sources indicate Congo may pursue sanctions against both MTN Rwanda and the Rwandan government for economic aggression. ADVERTISEMENT Observers warn this case could become a precedent in African digital sovereignty, particularly as telecom infrastructure becomes a battlefield for control in conflict zones. What’s at Stake Illegal operation of foreign telecom firms in conflict zones Rwanda’s blatant disregard for the DRC’s sovereignty Escalating proof of Kigali’s multi-layered hybrid war: military, digital, and economic Legal consequences for MTN Group’s regional operations A new chapter in Congo’s diplomatic response to Rwandan aggression ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Healthcare System Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination Patients face interrupted services as the labour dispute continues in Maniema. . Francophone DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba proposes nine reforms for the Francophonie, challenging Rwanda's Louise . 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 . Tags DR.Congo DR.Congo Rwanda Rwanda

DRC's Juliana Lumumba outlines her vision for a renewed Francophonie in a new interview with Brut Afrique. Juliana Amato Lumumba , the Democratic Republic of Congo's candidate for Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), says the organization must evolve into a more inclusive and people-centered space focused on dialogue, culture, and peace. Speaking in an interview with Brut Afrique, Lumumba reflected on her personal connection to the French language, her vision for the OIF, and the future of the Francophone community. French as a Language of Emancipation For Lumumba, the French language carries a personal and historical significance. She recalled that her father, Congo's independence hero Patrice Lumumba , viewed French as a language that could serve emancipation and human dignity. She pointed to his famous independence speech, in which he denounced colonial abuses while drawing on universal values such as human rights and freedom. Today, she argues, French no longer belongs to a single country. "It is no longer a language centered on one nation," she explained. "It has become a shared language." Lumumba also shared memories of her childhood in Egypt, where she learned French after her family was relocated there shortly before her father's assassination in 1961. She revealed that Patrice Lumumba had sought a safe destination for his wife and children, consulting African leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah and Ahmed Sékou Touré before Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser agreed to host the family. Continue Reading Full Article OIF RACE 2026 Juliana Lumumba Calls for a “Francophonie of the People By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Jun 4, 2026 Jun 4, 2026 6 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Juliana Amato Lumumba , the Democratic Republic of Congo's candidate for Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), says the organization must evolve into a more inclusive and people-centered space focused on dialogue, culture, and peace. Speaking in an interview with Brut Afrique, Lumumba reflected on her personal connection to the French language, her vision for the OIF, and the future of the Francophone community. French as a Language of Emancipation For Lumumba, the French language carries a personal and historical significance. She recalled that her father, Congo's independence hero Patrice Lumumba , viewed French as a language that could serve emancipation and human dignity. She pointed to his famous independence speech, in which he denounced colonial abuses while drawing on universal values such as human rights and freedom. Today, she argues, French no longer belongs to a single country. "It is no longer a language centered on one nation," she explained. "It has become a shared language." Lumumba also shared memories of her childhood in Egypt, where she learned French after her family was relocated there shortly before her father's assassination in 1961. She revealed that Patrice Lumumba had sought a safe destination for his wife and children, consulting African leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah and Ahmed Sékou Touré before Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser agreed to host the family. ADVERTISEMENT Growing up in a French-language school in Cairo, she developed a lasting attachment to French literature, songs, and culture. Nine Projects for a New Francophonie At the center of Lumumba's campaign is what she describes as "nine projects for a new Francophonie." One of her flagship proposals is the creation of a Francophone intercultural biennale that would bring together communities, artists, women, youth, and cultural actors from across the Francophone world. She believes the OIF should become a platform where people engage directly with one another beyond official diplomacy. Another major priority is the promotion of what she calls "sister languages." Lumumba highlighted languages such as Lingala, Swahili, Bambara, Fulani, Khmer, Creole, and Acadian French, arguing that local languages remain essential carriers of identity and cultural heritage. "Our languages should not disappear," she said. A New Focus on Peace and Conflict Prevention Lumumba also wants the Francophonie to play a stronger role in preventing conflicts. She proposes creating a Francophone Academy for Peace and Well-Being, dedicated to dialogue, conflict prevention, and peaceful resolution. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Healthcare System Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Francophone DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . 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 . The proposal comes at a time when several political and security crises are affecting parts of the Francophone world. Asked about the fact that the current OIF Secretary-General, Louise Mushikiwabo, is Rwandan while she herself is Congolese, Lumumba rejected any notion of rivalry. She emphasized that her candidacy is not directed against any country or individual. Instead, she said her objective is to bring fresh energy to the organization through what she calls a "Francophonie of the people, with the people, and for the people." Responding to Criticism of the OIF The OIF has sometimes faced criticism from those who view it as a legacy of colonial influence. Lumumba offered a different perspective. She argued that the founders of the Francophonie sought to transform the French language into a tool of solidarity, culture, dignity, and cooperation rather than domination. While acknowledging the importance of understanding history, she said today's realities require looking forward. "The world has changed," she explained, noting that the Francophonie must adapt to contemporary challenges rather than remain trapped in old debates. ADVERTISEMENT Open to Dialogue With the AES Countries Lumumba also addressed the departure of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) countries from the Francophone organization. She described the loss of member states as regrettable and said the OIF should focus on expanding its community rather than shrinking it. She believes dialogue remains the best path forward. If elected, she says she would seek to engage directly with countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to better understand their concerns and explore ways to rebuild trust. She noted that Niger is among the countries that played a foundational role in the history of the Francophonie, making continued engagement especially important. A Campaign Focused on Renewal Throughout the interview, Lumumba repeatedly returned to the idea of renewal. Her message is that the Francophonie should be more than a linguistic organization. It should become a space where cultures meet, young people participate, local languages are protected, and dialogue helps prevent conflict. As the race for the OIF's top post continues, Juliana Lumumba is presenting herself as a candidate focused on reform, inclusion, and reconnecting the organization with the people it represents. Source: Brut Afrique interview with Juliana Amato Lumumba . ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Healthcare System Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination Patients face interrupted services as the labour dispute continues in Maniema. . Francophone DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba proposes nine reforms for the Francophonie, challenging Rwanda's Louise . 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 . Tags DR.Congo DR.Congo Juliana Amato Lumumba Juliana Amato Lumumba

In a strategic move to diversify its fuel supply sources, the Uganda National Oil Company (Unoc) has initiated the sale of petroleum products to oil marketing companies (OMCs) in Tanzania and within its borders. This development follows a burgeoning rift with Kenya, traditionally Uganda's main fuel supplier, propelled by a controversial fuel import credit deal Kenya secured with Gulf oil giants. Unoc's venture into the Tanzanian and Ugandan markets is in collaboration with Vitol Bahrain, marking a preliminary phase before formalizing a comprehensive five-year direct import agreement. This shift aims to mitigate the dependency on Kenyan OMCs, which has been a staple for decades but recently scrutinized for inflated fuel prices due to intermediary costs. The move is not just a test of the waters but a calculated strategy to ensure market readiness for a broader scale operation under the Unoc-Vitol partnership. Vitol, a significant player in the global oil sector with interests in the Fujairah Refinery, UAE, lends considerable weight to this endeavor. This pivot comes at a critical juncture as Kenya extends its government-backed fuel import scheme with Saudi Aramco, Abu Dhabi National Oil, and Emirates National Oil until December 2024, a move that has significant implications for the regional fuel supply dynamics. Unoc's traditional focus on supplying state-owned entities is taking a turn towards engaging private OMCs, signaling a broader market approach. This expansion, however, faces challenges, notably the missed initial import target due to licensing hurdles in Kenya, underscoring the intricate regulatory landscape impacting regional fuel trade. The unfolding scenario presents a nuanced shift in East Africa's energy supply chain, with potential ramifications for the Kenyan Pipeline Company's transit fuel revenues and the broader economic ties within the region. As Uganda charts a new course in its fuel supply strategy, the implications for local OMCs, regional trade dynamics, and consumer prices are closely watched . Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 24, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Ugandan fuel carriers In a strategic move to diversify its fuel supply sources, the Uganda National Oil Company (Unoc) has initiated the sale of petroleum products to oil marketing companies (OMCs) in Tanzania and within its borders. This development follows a burgeoning rift with Kenya, traditionally Uganda's main fuel supplier, propelled by a controversial fuel import credit deal Kenya secured with Gulf oil giants. Unoc's venture into the Tanzanian and Ugandan markets is in collaboration with Vitol Bahrain, marking a preliminary phase before formalizing a comprehensive five-year direct import agreement. This shift aims to mitigate the dependency on Kenyan OMCs, which has been a staple for decades but recently scrutinized for inflated fuel prices due to intermediary costs. ADVERTISEMENT The move is not just a test of the waters but a calculated strategy to ensure market readiness for a broader scale operation under the Unoc-Vitol partnership. Vitol, a significant player in the global oil sector with interests in the Fujairah Refinery, UAE, lends considerable weight to this endeavor. This pivot comes at a critical juncture as Kenya extends its government-backed fuel import scheme with Saudi Aramco, Abu Dhabi National Oil, and Emirates National Oil until December 2024, a move that has significant implications for the regional fuel supply dynamics. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Unoc's traditional focus on supplying state-owned entities is taking a turn towards engaging private OMCs, signaling a broader market approach. This expansion, however, faces challenges, notably the missed initial import target due to licensing hurdles in Kenya, underscoring the intricate regulatory landscape impacting regional fuel trade. The unfolding scenario presents a nuanced shift in East Africa's energy supply chain, with potential ramifications for the Kenyan Pipeline Company's transit fuel revenues and the broader economic ties within the region. As Uganda charts a new course in its fuel supply strategy, the implications for local OMCs, regional trade dynamics, and consumer prices are closely watched . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags