Author: Kudret

Rwanda has directed École Belge de Kigali, the country’s only Belgian-backed school, to discontinue the Belgian curriculum by September 2025. The decision comes as part of a wider government policy to cut institutional and financial ties with Belgium following a dramatic downturn in diplomatic relations. In a letter issued this week, Education Minister Joseph Nsengimana informed the school’s board and parent committee that the Belgian educational framework must no longer be in place by the start of the 2025–2026 academic year. “You are advised to begin the necessary steps to transition to an alternative education program,” the minister stated, urging…

Côte d’Ivoire is moving swiftly to reduce its reliance on the United States after Washington announced steep new tariffs on Ivorian exports, a senior government official said on Wednesday. Government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly told reporters after a cabinet session in Abidjan that the country is already exploring alternative markets for its key exports, including cocoa, rubber, and cashew nuts. “As an immediate step, we are looking into new destinations where our goods can find market access,” Coulibaly said. The United States, under a trade policy shift announced by President Donald Trump on April 2, is set to impose new tariffs…

Authorities in Mauritius have arrested two high-ranking figures from the previous administration—former Finance Minister Renganaden Padayachy and ex-Central Bank Governor Harvesh Seegolam—over their alleged roles in the embezzlement of state funds, marking a major escalation in the country’s anti-corruption drive. The arrests were confirmed by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), which said fresh evidence had surfaced linking the pair to the misappropriation of 300 million Mauritian rupees (approximately $6.7 million) from the Mauritius Investment Corporation (MIC), a state-backed fund created to support businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. Both Padayachy and Seegolam have denied any wrongdoing. Efforts to reach them…

Malawi’s electoral body has unveiled a detailed calendar of activities in preparation for the country’s upcoming general elections scheduled for September 16, marking the beginning of an intense political season in the southern African nation. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja announced that the official campaign period will run from July 14 until 48 hours before voting day. The roadmap outlines a structured electoral process aimed at ensuring transparency and stakeholder engagement. Verification, Nominations, and Campaigns The electoral process will begin with the inspection and verification of the voters’ roll, to…

At least five people were killed and several others severely injured in a violent assault in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, local police confirmed on Wednesday. The attackers have been identified as members of Naprama, an armed group with a history of violence in the country. The incident occurred in the village of Ntotue, located in Mocimboa da Praia district. According to police spokesperson Orlando Mudumane, the group opened fire on residents, triggering panic and mass displacement. “Upon arrival, our officers found five people dead, multiple others in critical condition, and a large number of residents had fled the area,”…

The European Union has pledged €41 million in humanitarian support for the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean region in 2025, targeting countries affected by climate shocks, disease outbreaks, and ongoing conflict. Mozambique will receive the largest portion, with €17 million earmarked to help communities recover from the impact of three cyclones—Chido, Dikeledi, and Jude—that struck between December and March. The storms caused widespread flooding and left thousands displaced. In addition to financial aid, Brussels dispatched 60 tonnes of emergency supplies from its regional hub in Nairobi in response to Cyclone Chido. The shipment included shelter materials, hygiene kits, and clean…

A planned round of direct peace talks between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group has been postponed with no new date announced, according to sources close to both delegations. The negotiations, scheduled to take place in Doha on Wednesday, were expected to mark a critical step in efforts to end escalating violence in eastern Congo. This would have been the first official dialogue between the two sides since M23 launched a rapid offensive that led to the capture of key cities, widespread displacement, and mounting regional tension. Despite the high stakes, the…

Former President Joseph Kabila has announced his return to the Democratic Republic of Congo. He says he wants to help address the growing crisis in the eastern part of the country, where the M23 rebel group continues to gain ground. Kabila, who governed from 2001 to 2019, said he would start his efforts in the conflict-hit east. His return comes after talks with both national leaders and international partners. He has spent the past year outside the country, mostly in South Africa and other African states. “I am returning without delay to contribute to the search for a solution,” Kabila…

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has secured $2.2 billion in investment commitments to expand Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs) across 28 states in Nigeria, in what is being billed as one of the continent’s most ambitious agricultural transformation efforts. AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina made the announcement on Tuesday while inaugurating the first phase of the initiative in Kaduna State. The opening stage, which targets five states, is backed by an initial $520 million in funding, first disclosed in 2022. “We have successfully mobilised $2.2 billion in investor interest to support the nationwide rollout of the second phase,” Adesina said during…

Namibia has asked the United States to respect international trade agreements and engage in open dialogue with countries affected by new U.S. tariffs. The appeal comes after Washington imposed higher import duties that include products from Namibia. On Tuesday, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Selma Ashipala-Musavyi addressed lawmakers in Parliament. She said the U.S. acted alone in introducing a 21/percent “reciprocal tariff” on Namibian exports. This decision, made under Executive Order 14257, was signed on April 2 and is set to take effect on April 9. The minister criticized the U.S. for failing to consult with Namibia before enforcing…

Three American nationals sentenced over a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been handed over to U.S. custody, authorities in Kinshasa confirmed, in a move that underscores deepening ties between the two countries amid strategic negotiations over security cooperation and critical mineral resources. The Congolese presidency said the transfer followed the commutation of their death sentences last week, allowing the trio to serve the remainder of their punishment in the United States. The agreement was finalized during a visit to Kinshasa by Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to President Donald Trump on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs,…

Algeria rolled out the red carpet on Tuesday for Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who arrived in Algiers for a diplomatic mission aimed at deepening bilateral relations and confronting escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune received Araghchi at the presidential palace, where discussions spotlighted long-standing ties between the two countries and their shared positions on regional and international affairs. Algeria’s presidency later described the meeting as a reaffirmation of “enduring political solidarity.” Speaking after the talks, Araghchi emphasized the historical bond between Algiers and Tehran, calling the relationship “rooted in mutual respect and brotherhood.” He extended…

Zimbabwe is spiraling into political and economic turmoil, raising concerns across Southern Africa. Deep divisions in the ruling ZANU-PF party, a worsening economy, and shifting international alliances are all fueling the crisis. As the situation worsens, the risks extend beyond Zimbabwe’s borders, threatening regional peace and stability. This article highlights key developments behind the country’s unfolding crisis and explores its broader impact on Southern Africa. ZANU-PF Party Faces Internal Turmoil The ruling ZANU-PF party is facing serious internal challenges. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took office in 2017 after the ousting of Robert Mugabe, is now under pressure. His desire to…

Egypt has signed a €7 billion agreement to build a major facility for producing green hydrogen and ammonia near the Ras Shoukair area, advancing the country’s clean energy ambitions. The signing ceremony was attended by key officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Kamel el Wazir, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat, and French Minister for the Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty Éric Lombard. The new plant will produce up to one million tons of green ammonia each year. The project will be developed in three stages and aims to support Egypt’s plans to…

Niger has declared Hausa its national language, a significant move aimed at redefining its identity and cutting ties with its colonial history. The change was announced in the newly adopted Refoundation Charter. French, once the official administrative language, has now been reduced to a “working language.” This shift follows the July 2023 military takeover that removed President Mohamed Bazoum from office. Since then, the military-led government has taken clear steps to limit France’s influence. Paris, for its part, has refused to recognize the new authorities. Replacing French with Hausa marks a broader push toward national independence. The Refoundation Charter, now…

President Paul Kagame delivered a powerful and emotionally charged speech during the 31st commemoration of Kwibuka. The event marked 31 years since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Speaking in Kigali, Kagame called for dignity, independence, and unity—not just for Rwanda, but for the entire African continent. “We must live the life we choose,” he said to a solemn crowd. “And to anyone threatening us with sanctions—go to hell.” His words, direct and unflinching, come as tensions grow between Rwanda and some Western countries. Without naming names, Kagame criticized foreign interference and urged Rwandans to reject fear and stand strong.…