Ademola Lookman Becomes First African to Score Hat-Trick in UEFA Final Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe May 23, 2024 ​ Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman He has etched his name in history by becoming the first African footballer to score a hat-trick in the final of a major UEFA competition. Lookman achieved this milestone during Wednesday’s Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. In addition to his historic hat-trick, Lookman became the third Nigerian player to score in the final of a major UEFA competition. He follows in the footsteps of Alex Iwobi, who scored in the 2019 Europa League final, and Joe Aribo, who found the net in the 2022 Europa League final. Lookman's impressive performance began early in the match. He netted his first goal in the 10th minute , capitalizing on a low cross from Zappacosta. His second goal came within the first 25 minutes, a beautiful curling shot that found the bottom corner of the net. In the second half, Lookman completed his hat-trick, effectively ending Bayer Leverkusen’s hopes of an unbeaten treble this season. The Super Eagles star's outstanding display not only secured victory for Atalanta but also cemented his place in African football history. His remarkable feat is a testament to his skill and determination, making him a standout player in this year's UEFA competitions. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Why the Us blames Rwanda on the Mugunga displacement camp in Goma Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire May 6, 2024 ​ Displacement Camp in Congo The United States has officially blamed Rwanda and the M23 rebel group for a deadly airstrike that targeted a displacement camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in the tragic loss of at least nine lives, including seven children. The attack occurred on Friday at the Mugunga camp in Goma, a city in eastern DR Congo. This accusation intensifies existing tensions, with Rwanda, known to border DR Congo, being frequently accused of supporting M23, a claim it vehemently denies. Rwanda’s government has dismissed the US's allegations as "ridiculous," defending the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) as a professional entity that would not target civilian camps. The US State Department cites evidence indicating the airstrike originated from areas controlled by the RDF and M23. In light of this attack, the US has expressed grave concerns regarding the escalation of military activities by the RDF and M23 in the region and has called for the adherence to international humanitarian law by all involved parties. The conflict in eastern DR Congo has seen various factions, including rebel and government forces, accused of human rights abuses as they contest for control, notably in areas rich in minerals critical for modern technologies like mobile phones and electric vehicles. The recent developments, including the capture of the town of Rubaya by M23 fighters, highlight the ongoing volatility and the complex interplay of local and international interests in DR Congo’s conflict zones. The US continues to urge all states to respect sovereignty and hold responsible any actors involved in human rights abuses within the region. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Algeria's Riyad Mahrez to Sit Out of FIFA Friendly Matches by Personal Request Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Prince Jean Mar 19, 2024 ​ Riyad Mahrez to Miss Algeria's Upcoming Friendlies in FIFA Series. @coupedafriiquedesnations Vladimir Petkovic, the newly appointed head coach of the Algerian national football team, has confirmed that star player Riyad Mahrez has voluntarily opted out of the squad for the forthcoming FIFA Series friendly matches. Citing a lack of readiness and the requisite energy to fulfill his influential role, Mahrez personally reached out to Petkovic to convey his decision. Algeria is on a mission to regain the confidence of its supporters after their unexpected early exit from the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), where they concluded the tournament at the bottom of their group. The national team, colloquially known as the Desert Foxes, is set to participate in a mini-tournament on home soil, featuring a diverse lineup of teams from various football confederations. The lineup for this international foray includes Algeria from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Bolivia from the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), Andorra from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), and South Africa, also a member of CAF. The Desert Foxes' schedule includes a match against Bolivia on the 22nd of March and another against South Africa on the 26th of March, with both fixtures taking place at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers. In a notable squad change, Islam Slimani, Algeria's top goalscorer, will also miss out on the squad for the first time in over a decade. Conversely, Said Benrahma, who did not participate in AFCON 2023, has been summoned back to the team. Algeria has initiated their campaign for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on a positive note, recording victories against both Somalia and Mozambique, signaling a strong start in their quest for qualification. 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

Togo Holds Crucial Parliamentary Elections Under New Governance Charter Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond Apr 29, 2024 ​ On Monday, Togo initiated its long-awaited legislative elections following a series of constitutional reforms approved by the previous parliament. These reforms, which could potentially extend the 19-year reign of President Faure Gnassingbe, include a shift to a parliamentary governance system where the president will now be elected by parliament members instead of by public vote. In March, Togo adopted a new charter transitioning to a parliamentary governance system. This change means that the head of state will no longer be chosen through universal suffrage but will be elected by the newly formed parliament. Moreover, under the new constitution, there is a new role, the president of the council of ministers, who is endowed with substantial powers to oversee government operations in this coastal West African nation. The election was initially postponed twice due to opposition from certain parties who viewed the constitutional amendments as a strategy for President Gnassingbe to maintain power indefinitely. Despite these controversies, the polls opened at 0700 GMT with over four million registered voters expected to choose from 2,352 candidates vying for 113 parliamentary seats. Provisional results are anticipated as early as Tuesday. Voters expressed mixed feelings about the organization of the election process. While some, like Parfait Akakpo from the capital, Lome, remain hopeful for development and peace, others faced logistical issues. Klevor Edoh Firmin highlighted problems such as missing names on voter registers and the undue strain on elderly voters. Following their boycott of the previous legislative elections, opposition parties are eager to secure seats to challenge the dominance of Gnassingbe's UNIR party. Accusations of suspected electoral fraud by some opposition candidates underscore the high stakes of this election. As Togo navigates these pivotal legislative elections under its new constitutional framework, the outcomes could significantly impact the nation's political landscape. The world watches as Togo decides on its path forward amidst hopes for enhanced governance and national stability. 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

Two Utah friends Face Death Penalty in Congo After Failed Coup Attempt Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jun 15, 2024 Marcel Malanga appeared in court in Prison Suits DRC Two residents of West Jordan, Utah, Marcel Malanga and Tyler Thompson, are facing the death penalty in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after being involved in an attempted coup. Their connection began five years ago at Copper Hills High School. Malanga, the US-born son of Congolese warlord Christian Malanga, persuaded Thompson to join him in what was portrayed as a benign trip to Africa. Christian Malanga, a former DRC army captain, led a failed coup in Kinshasa in May with a small group of paramilitaries. The raid resulted in his death and the arrest of over 50 people, including Marcel, Thompson, and another American, Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun. The three appeared in a military court, facing charges punishable by death. The incident has shocked West Jordan residents, where the two young men were well-known. Marcel's mother, Brittney Sawyer, maintains her son was unaware of his father's plans and was unintentionally involved. Friends and family of Thompson are similarly stunned, believing he was on a holiday trip. Reports indicate Marcel had offered friends up to $100,000 to join him in Africa under false pretenses. Some friends refused, but Thompson accepted the invitation. The families are now relying on the US government for assistance, with embassy officials providing consular support and monitoring the situation closely. This incident underscores the complex and dangerous political climate in the DRC, with many questions still unanswered about the extent of Christian Malanga's network and the involvement of other actors. For now, the focus remains on the wellbeing of Marcel Malanga and Tyler Thompson as their fate hangs in the balance. 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

4 ways Google is pioneering the Future of Information Discovery in Africa Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 25, 2024 ​ A symbolyic image depicting google's influence in Africa Google Search is continuously evolving, pushing the boundaries of technology to meet the ever-changing landscape of the internet and global information needs. Here are key innovations shaping the future of search Prioritizing Quality and Reliability Google's foundation lies in the PageRank algorithm, focusing on the relevance, helpfulness, and reliability of information. With the challenge of misinformation, Google emphasizes authoritativeness, especially in sensitive topics, and conducts extensive quality evaluations to maintain a high standard. Advancing Query Understanding From simple word matching to sophisticated language processing, Google has made significant strides in comprehending the intent behind user queries. Technologies like the Knowledge Graph and BERT have enhanced Google's ability to deliver precise information, breaking down language barriers with tools like Google Translate. Beyond Text - Embracing Multimedia Google's innovations extend to voice, visual, and multimodal searches. Voice search, "hum to search," Google Lens, and multisearch capabilities have transformed how users interact with information, making search more intuitive and aligned with natural human behaviors. Combating Spam and Ensuring Safety Google's commitment to a safe and relevant search experience involves advanced systems to detect and filter spam, keeping search results trustworthy. Ongoing AI advancements help maintain a spam-free environment, while policies and protections are in place to safeguard user privacy and safety. Google's journey is one of continuous improvement and exploration, especially with the integration of generative AI and large language models, to redefine search and information accessibility for billions worldwide . 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

Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso: Redrawing West Africa’s Map with a Military Confederation Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jul 13, 2024 Colonel Assimi Goïta of Mali, Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, and General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger The military juntas of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have signed a treaty forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), uniting 72 million people. This confederation aims to eradicate jihadist violence and build a robust economic alliance to reshape West Africa. Historic Signing in Niamey In Niger’s capital, Niamey, Burkina Faso’s interim leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, expressed gratitude for the formation of the AES. Addressing the assembly in his khaki fatigues and red beret, Traoré emphasized the shared history and unity among the three nations. "We have the same blood that runs in our veins," he declared, highlighting the legacy of their ancestors. Mali’s interim President Colonel Assimi Goïta echoed these sentiments, envisioning a future federation with free movement of people and goods, transcending national identities. The summit’s joint communiqué outlined plans for joint infrastructure projects, trade facilitation, and investments in agriculture, mining, and energy. The Road to Confederation The journey to this alliance began with coups in Mali (2020), Burkina Faso, and Niger (2023), which ousted civilian governments deemed ineffective against jihadist violence . The leaders of these nations criticized the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and former colonial power France for their inadequate support. Niger’s Abdourahamane Tiani confirmed the alliance’s break with ECOWAS. The AES's cooperation includes economic agreements like Niger’s discounted diesel sale to Mali. Sovereignty and Security The AES rejects Western military involvement, opting for partnerships with Russia and mobilizing local militias. However, the success of these strategies remains uncertain, with continued violence in regions like Liptako-Gourma. Critics argue that severing ties with ECOWAS and Western allies could lead to isolation. The AES’s leaders, however, view their stance as a break from colonial legacies, emphasizing sovereignty and self-determination. Virginie Baudais of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute noted the shift in regional dynamics and the challenges faced by the AES. Despite aspirations, the coalition must address economic hardships to maintain legitimacy and improve living conditions. The Alliance of Sahel States marks a significant shift in West Africa’s political landscape, driven by a desire for sovereignty and regional cooperation. The success of this bold move will depend on the AES’s ability to address security threats and economic challenges effectively. 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 Sudan Government and Rebel Groups Sign Pact for Lasting Peace Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond May 19, 2024 ​ A delegate attending high level meeting about S.Sudan Peace South Sudan’s government and opposition groups have taken a significant step towards a lasting peace deal through the Nairobi Mediation process. On Thursday, they signed the Declaration of Commitment, known as the Tumaini (Hope) Initiative, in Nairobi. The Tumaini Initiative, integrating previous agreements since 2020, marks a crucial development in the peace negotiations initiated by the Sant’ Egidio Catholic Community in Rome. President William Ruto later met with foreign envoys at State House Nairobi to discuss the support from South Sudan donor groups. The declaration was signed by the transitional government of national unity (TGoNU), Real-SPLM led by Pagan Amum, and South Sudan United Front (SSUF) led by former Army Chief Paul Malong. Supportive participants included civil society, women, youth, academia, religious groups, and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad), which acted as a guarantor. Chief Mediator Lt Gen Lazurus Sumbeiywo emphasized that the declaration marks the beginning of proper negotiations to address the root causes of South Sudan’s conflict and to empower the South Sudanese in their development. While some observers hoped for a timeline to prepare for the December 2024 elections, Gen Sumbeiywo clarified that the mission is to stop the violence rather than to adhere to election timelines. Despite some opposition groups boycotting the mediation, those participating have pledged full commitment to collaborating with the government to bring peace to South Sudan. The Nairobi Mediation process follows the breakdown of the Rome Initiative talks in March 2023. President Kiir’s request for President Ruto to take over the mediation was accepted in February 2024 after consultations with the Sant’ Egidio community in Rome. 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

Besides being the biggest economy in Africa Nigeria Ranks Behind Six Sub-Saharan African Countries in Internet Speed Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jul 17, 2024 ​ Nigeria has ranked seventh in Sub-Saharan Africa for internet speed, trailing behind Réunion, South Africa, Eswatini, Rwanda, Mauritius, and Botswana, according to the 2024 Worldwide Broadband Speed Report Key Findings: Nigeria's Average Speed : 27.62 Mbps Global Ranking Improvement : From 133rd in 2023 to 132nd in 2024 Top Performers in Sub-Saharan Africa : Réunion (63.29 Mbps), South Africa (42.42 Mbps) Lowest Performers in Africa : Sudan (4.02 Mbps), Central African Republic (4.08 Mbps), Ethiopia (4.45 Mbps) Sub-Saharan Africa's Internet Landscape The report, which conducted broadband speed tests across 220 countries, highlights significant disparities within the region. Réunion leads Sub-Saharan Africa with an average speed of 63.29 Mbps, placing 75th globally, followed by South Africa with 42.42 Mbps at 114th place. Meanwhile, Nigeria, with an average download speed of 27.62 Mbps, has shown improvement by moving up one position in the global ranking from 133rd to 132nd. However, it still lags behind its regional counterparts. Africa's Internet Speed Overview Africa as a whole averaged 14.99 Mbps, making it the region with the second-lowest internet speed globally. The report notes that 50 countries were measured in Sub-Saharan Africa, with nearly all landing in the slower half of the global league table. Nigerian Government's Broadband Efforts This ranking comes amidst the Nigerian government's ongoing efforts to meet its National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2020-2025 goals, spearheaded by the Nigerian Communications Commission. Despite aiming for 70% broadband penetration by 2025, Nigeria has only achieved 43.7% as of December 2023. While Nigeria has shown some progress in improving its internet speed ranking, it still faces significant challenges in catching up with other Sub-Saharan African countries. The government's continued focus on broadband penetration is crucial for further advancement. 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

United Bank for Africa Expands Influence in East Africa with Strategic Investments in Kenya and Uganda Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond Apr 27, 2024 ​ United Bank for Africa (UBA) in Uganda In a significant move within the East African banking sector, the Pan-African banking giant, United Bank for Africa (UBA), has notably increased its shareholdings in its Kenyan and Ugandan subsidiaries. This strategic decision highlights UBA's intensified efforts to strengthen its presence in a region dominated by Kenyan retail banks. Owned by Nigerian billionaire Tony Elumelu, UBA acquired an additional 13% in UBA Kenya Ltd and 11% in UBA Uganda Ltd during the year 2022. These acquisitions have elevated UBA Plc's ownership to 94% and 80% in the respective subsidiaries, marking a significant increase from the previous stakes of 81% in Kenya and 69% in Uganda. The detailed transactions were disclosed in the lender's latest annual report for 2023. The financial commitment towards these stake increases amounted to NGN 18.49 billion ($16.04 million). Specifically, UBA spent NGN 6.96 billion ($6.03 million) for the additional shares in Uganda, and NGN 11.52 billion ($9.99 million) for the Kenyan shares. Furthermore, in 2023, UBA injected an additional NGN 17.32 billion ($15.02 million) into these subsidiaries. This capital infusion included investments of NGN 5.14 billion ($4.45 million) in Kenya and NGN 12.17 billion ($10.55 million) in Uganda, aimed at bolstering their financial base and operational capabilities. This investment is part of UBA's broader strategy to capitalize on the East African Community (EAC) market, home to over 300 million people. UBA also operates subsidiaries in Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), indicating its robust footprint and commitment to the region. UBA's aggressive expansion in East Africa underscores its objective to enhance its market share and influence in the region's competitive banking sector. These strategic investments not only reflect UBA's long-term commitment to its East African operations but also demonstrate its confidence in the economic potential of the EAC market. 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

Tanzania's Ambitious Initiative to Bridge the Power Deficit in East Africa Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Feb 26, 2024 ​ Transformative Tanzania's Groundbreaking Energy Projects Set to Empower East Africa Tanzania is taking a significant leap towards addressing the electricity deficit in East Africa with its ambitious energy projects aimed at enhancing the region's power supply. The nation is harnessing its vast natural gas reserves and renewable energy potential to not only meet its domestic needs but also to contribute to the regional power grid. Strategic Natural Gas Exploitation Tanzania is in the final stages of approving a monumental $42 billion Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project. This initiative, expected to transform the country's economy, involves collaboration with major global energy firms like Equinor, Shell, and Exxon Mobil. The project aims to tap into Tanzania's estimated 57 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, which had previously seen stalled investments due to various disagreements. The renewed focus and negotiations led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan are setting the stage for the revival of offshore natural gas projects, which promise to significantly boost the country's energy output and economic landscape​​​​. Renewable Energy Ambitions Parallel to the natural gas venture, Tanzania is aggressively pursuing renewable energy projects with a target to inject over 6,000 megawatts of green energy into the national grid. This initiative positions Tanzania to become one of Africa's leading renewable energy producers, alongside giants like South Africa and Morocco. The green energy roadmap includes the completion of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project and other hydro, solar, and wind projects. These efforts reflect Tanzania's commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions, aiming to vastly increase its current electricity supply and support the region's demand​​. Impacts on Regional Electricity Supply The combination of Tanzania's LNG project and its renewable energy pursuits is poised to significantly mitigate the electricity shortfall in East Africa. By increasing its power generation capacity, Tanzania will not only secure its energy future but also play a crucial role in stabilizing the regional power supply. This strategic move is expected to attract more investments, foster economic growth, and support sustainable development in East 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

Uganda's Central Bank Responds to Shilling's Record Decline with Unscheduled Meeting Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 6, 2024 ​ Deputy Governor Michael Atingi-Ego Bank of uganda In a swift reaction to the Ugandan shilling's unprecedented slump, the Bank of Uganda has announced an unexpected convening of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) this Wednesday. The emergency session, prompted by the local currency's fall to a historic low, is set to be addressed by Deputy Governor Michael Atingi-Ego at 1 p.m. in the nation's capital. The central bank's decision comes in the wake of the shilling's significant depreciation, which hit a record nadir of 3,957.50 against the dollar on February 26, per Bloomberg's compiled data . This financial downturn marks an approximate 8% devaluation of the Ugandan currency following the World Bank's August announcement to halt funding to the country due to newly legislated anti-homosexuality laws. UGX/USD at record high The abrupt meeting's details remain scant, with the Bank of Uganda maintaining silence on the specific agenda. Efforts to reach Bank of Uganda spokesperson Kenneth Egesa were futile as his phone remained unavailable for comments. This pivotal monetary policy meeting underscores the urgent measures being contemplated by Ugandan financial authorities to stabilize the shilling and address the economic repercussions stemming from international funding disruptions. 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