insert_link Africa Uganda record increase in Covi-19 cases Uganda's Health Ministry has issued a warning following a recent surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. The government has re-introduced preventive measures in some of the worst affected areas, adding the disease remains a threat. Isabel Nakirya reports. todayFebruary 7, 2024 21
insert_link Africa Cholera vaccine push underway in southern Africa The World Health Organization has warned that cholera cases are increasing globally, and there’s been an unprecedented spike in Africa. Dr. Fiona Braka from WHO’s regional office in Brazzaville, Congo, said that eastern and southern Africa have been badly affected. In just the first four weeks of the year, 10 African countries reported more than 26,000 cases and 700 deaths. todayFebruary 7, 2024 41
insert_link Africa Tensions rise over safety of Nigerians in South Africa An advisory issued by the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Pretoria has raised concerns about the safety of Nigerians in South Africa. South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, says the advisory is regrettable. todayFebruary 7, 2024 8
insert_link Africa Are African leaders holding on to power? Sub-Saharan Africa is home to many of the world’s longest-ruling, and oldest heads of state, including Namibia. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2022 Democracy Index linked entrenched leadership in the region to developmental and security challenges, including conflict or instability, stagnant or declining economies, and democratic backsliding. Here’s SA-based political analyst Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast. todayFebruary 7, 2024 33
insert_link Africa Livelihoods at stake as Lake Victoria’s papyrus swamps come under pressure: Photos By Patrick Newcombe, via MongaBay The papyrus swamps at the edges of Lake Victoria in East Africa have for generations provided a livelihood to communities living here. While some harvest reeds to make into mats, baskets, and handicrafts, others catch the plentiful fish that nurse in the shelter of the reedbeds. The swamps are also home to birds that have become specialized to live amidst the papyrus reeds in a […] todayFebruary 7, 2024 27
insert_link Africa Sall throws Senegal’s democratic credentials into doubt By Douglas Yates, American Graduate School in Paris (AGS) Senegal’s President Macky Sall announced in early February that presidential elections, originally scheduled for 25 February, would be postponed indefinitely. The announcement has raised fears of popular protests, violent repression, a once democratic president transforming into an authoritarian ruler – and possibly even another coup d’état in west Africa. There has been a flurry of coups in the region […] todayFebruary 7, 2024 12
insert_link Africa Women fishers in Makoko, Lagos’s ‘floating slum’, are struggling as breadwinners: education and funding would make a difference Makoko women fish traders waiting to buy fish from fishermen. Yasuyoshi Chiba / AFP / Getty Images Ayodele Oloko, University of British Columbia Makoko, a coastal fishing community in Lagos, Nigeria, was established by fishermen in the 19th century. It is considered the world’s largest “floating slum”. There are conflicting figures about its population but it is home to about a million inhabitants living in poor and informal housing built […] todayFebruary 7, 2024 8
insert_link Africa Africa’s billionaire club hits $82.4 billion Aliko Dangote from Nigeria is Africa's richest person for the 13th year in a row, says Forbes magazine. Even though Nigeria's economy is struggling, Dangote's wealth went up by $400 million last year to $13.9 billion. The Forbes list has 20 billionaires from Africa, worth a total of $82.4 billion. According to the BBC, South Africa, and Egypt have the most billionaires on the list. Johann Rupert from South Africa […] todayFebruary 6, 2024 133
insert_link Africa World Bank investigates Tanzanian tourism project allegations The World Bank says is investigating allegations of human rights violations committed by Tanzanian authorities during the implementation of a $150 million tourism resource management project. Daniel Kijo reports. todayFebruary 6, 2024 30