Author: Kudret

Namibia’s President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, unveiled her first Cabinet on Saturday, setting a historic precedent. The announcement introduced 14 ministers and seven deputies, with eight of the ministers being women. This move highlights the government’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive leadership. A major highlight was the appointment of Lucia Witbooi as Namibia’s first female vice president. With this development, Namibia becomes the only African country led by both a female president and vice president. During the swearing-in ceremony in Windhoek, President Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed confidence in her team’s ability to deliver. “I am confident that we will fulfill the mandate entrusted…

The M23 rebel group has announced a withdrawal from Walikale, a town they seized during their offensive in eastern Congo. They claim this step supports ongoing peace efforts. Earlier, however, they maintained that they would hold Walikale while advancing toward the capital, Kinshasa. The Congolese government has received the announcement with cautious optimism. Officials stress that the gesture must soon lead to tangible action on the ground. This development comes just days after M23 abruptly canceled planned peace talks. The rebels blamed European Union sanctions targeting some of their leaders and certain Rwandan officials for their decision to pull out…

Uganda’s military reported killing 242 fighters from the Congolese rebel group CODECO after responding to attacks on its camp in eastern Congo earlier this week. However, CODECO disputed the figures, claiming minimal losses. According to Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesperson Chris Magezi, the clashes occurred on Wednesday and Thursday after hundreds of CODECO fighters attacked a Ugandan military post in Fataki, a locality in Congo’s Ituri province. Ugandan troops retaliated, killing 31 rebels on the first day and 211 on the second. Magezi, in a post on X late Friday, said one Ugandan soldier died, and four others were…

Sudan’s military has tightened its hold on Khartoum by capturing several key sites, including the Republican Palace, from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This advance marks a significant shift in the nearly two-year-long conflict that has devastated the nation. Brig. Gen. Nabil Abdullah, a spokesperson for the Sudanese military, confirmed that troops drove RSF fighters out of the National Intelligence Service headquarters and the Corinthia Hotel in central Khartoum. The military also reclaimed the Central Bank of Sudan and several government and educational buildings. According to Abdullah, hundreds of RSF fighters were killed while attempting to escape, although this information…

The Ethiopian military announced on Friday that it had killed over 300 Fano militants during two days of clashes in the northern Amhara region. The violence has raised concerns of a wider regional conflict. Fano, a loosely organized group, had previously fought alongside Ethiopian forces and Eritrean troops during the two-year war against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which governs the Tigray region. However, relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia have deteriorated since Eritrea was excluded from the peace talks that ended the war in November 2022. Recent developments have fueled fears of renewed conflict. Eritrea reportedly initiated a nationwide…

At least 44 people were killed and 13 others injured when gunmen attacked a mosque in southwestern Niger. The assault occurred on Friday in the village of Fonbita, located in the rural commune of Kokorou. Interior Minister Mohamed Toumba described the attack as a deliberate strike against civilians, adding that four of the injured remain in critical condition. Toumba condemned the violence as a “cowardly and inhumane act” and promised swift action to pursue the attackers. He assured the public that authorities are committed to ensuring justice for the victims. In response, the government declared a 72-hour period of national…

More than 100,000 people have escaped to neighboring countries as violence between government forces and M23 rebels escalates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the United Nations reported on Friday. The ongoing conflict has led to a worsening humanitarian crisis, with thousands in urgent need of assistance. Aid Efforts Struggle Amid Funding Shortages Eujin Byun, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), warned that aid operations are at risk due to financial constraints. “Severe funding shortages are crippling humanitarian efforts in eastern DRC and beyond. Thousands lack life-saving assistance, and the crisis is on the verge…

A Nation in Transition Angola, a dynamic Southern African nation, is renowned for its abundant natural resources, vibrant cultural heritage, and an economy in transformation. With vast oil reserves, rich diamond deposits, and emerging potential in agriculture and mining, Angola is reorienting its economy after decades of conflict. Its strategic location along the Atlantic coast, coupled with ambitious infrastructure projects, makes Angola a promising destination for investors, expatriates, and travelers. However, the nation continues to face challenges, including high inflation, heavy reliance on oil, and socio-economic disparities that the government is actively addressing. Angola’s Economy: Growth, Challenges, and Key Sectors…

The United States has delayed the release of $2.6 billion in climate finance meant to support South Africa’s shift from coal to clean energy. This move has raised concerns that the funds may not be disbursed, putting South Africa’s green energy plans in jeopardy. Without this support, efforts to reduce coal dependence and address ongoing power shortages could stall. Earlier this month, US representatives blocked the approval of a $500 million disbursement during a Climate Investment Funds (CIF) meeting. This amount would have unlocked an additional $2.1 billion from multilateral development banks and other funding sources. Sources familiar with the…

Africa’s transport industry is entering a new era of growth and innovation, driven by digitalisation, infrastructure investment, and policy reforms. Across the continent, transport networks—including roads, railways, ports, and aviation—are evolving to support trade and economic development. Governments and industry leaders are focusing on digital technology, climate resilience, and sustainable investment to modernise the sector. Key Industry Event to Shape the Future The 12th Transport Evolution Africa Forum & Expo 2025, scheduled for June 17-19 at Johannesburg’s Gallagher Convention Centre, will bring together top experts, policymakers, and investors from across the globe. This highly anticipated event will showcase groundbreaking transport…

Morocco has emerged as Spain’s leading African trading partner, achieving unprecedented trade volumes in 2024. According to data from Spain’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, bilateral trade between the two countries reached a historic high of €22.7 billion. This milestone reflects Morocco’s growing importance in Spain’s global trade network and highlights the deepening economic ties between the two nations. The surge in trade underscores Spain’s increasing reliance on Morocco as a key export destination and supplier of essential goods. As Morocco moves up Spain’s trade rankings, surpassing established European partners like Belgium and the Netherlands, the partnership is expected…

A powerful explosion tore through the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) late Monday night in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, sparking a raging fire that has consumed nearby mangrove forests and raised concerns about environmental devastation and economic fallout. By early Tuesday morning, thick columns of black smoke had blanketed the sky as flames engulfed a section of the pipeline. Dramatic footage from the scene captured the inferno spreading rapidly, with local residents expressing fears over the potential consequences. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the explosion, which comes amid heightened tensions in the oil-rich Niger Delta…

Tunisia’s national guard rescued 612 migrants on Monday and recovered 18 bodies from several boat accidents along the Mediterranean coast near Sfax. The migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, were trying to reach Europe. After receiving distress calls, the rescue teams launched multiple missions in the eastern part of the country. Many boats capsized or broke down during the journey. Women and children were among those rescued. Authorities released images that show survivors clinging to large buoys. In one photo, a woman struggles to lift a lifeless child onto a rescue boat. These images highlight the harsh conditions faced by migrants.…

Uganda’s Ministry of Health is set to begin a nationwide rollout of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, a major breakthrough after more than 30 years of global research. This vaccine is expected to reduce malaria cases and deaths, especially among children under five, who remain the most vulnerable. Malaria is a major public health challenge in Uganda, putting the entire population at risk. It accounts for 30 to 50 /percent of outpatient visits and 15 to 20 /percent of hospital admissions. As a result, it is the leading cause of death among young children. Dr. Jimmy Opigo, manager of the Malaria…

Egypt’s long history received a boost with two important archaeological finds. A joint team of Egyptian and American researchers made these discoveries. The University of Pennsylvania team uncovered a royal tomb at the Jebel Anubis necropolis in Abydos. They date the tomb to the Second Intermediate Period, between 1700 and 1600 BC. This discovery offers fresh insights into royal burial practices and necropolis evolution. Meanwhile, another team from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities revealed a Roman-era pottery workshop in the village of Banaweet in the Sohag governorate. The site served as one of the region’s main centers for pottery and…

A diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria has claimed 1,319 lives since 2022, with health officials warning that poor vaccination coverage is fueling the crisis. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported that 42,642 suspected cases have emerged across 37 states and 350 local government areas (LGAs). Of these, 25,812 cases have been confirmed, while 5,470 remain unclassified. Northern States Hit Hardest The outbreak has spread rapidly in the north. Seven states—Kano, Yobe, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa—account for 96.3/percent of all suspected cases. The high concentration of infections has raised concerns about healthcare access and immunization efforts…