insert_link Africa The African Union is working on peace in Sudan: expert explains why it’s in everyone’s interests By John Mukum Mbaku, Weber State University The African Union has recently named a team to work on a peaceful end to Sudan’s civil war. The team will engage Sudan’s feuding military factions alongside civil society and international players to resolve the conflict that has been raging since 15 April 2023. The opponents in the conflict are the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The AU’s […] todayJanuary 26, 2024 21
insert_link Africa Afcon’s decision to allow 24 countries to play is paying off – and having dramatic repercussions By Chuka Onwumechili, Howard University By the end of the group stage, the 34th Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) was one of the most exciting and memorable Afcon tournaments in recent memory. This was particularly true of the performances of the continent’s best players on the field. As a scholar of sports communication with a focus on African football, I’ve followed developments with interest, notably the 2021 decision to […] todayJanuary 26, 2024 4
insert_link Africa 26 January 2024 Business Highlights – The World’s Latest Economic Developments By Leonard Witbeen Namibia Airports Company Engages Local Leaders for Airport ExpansionThe Namibia Airports Company (NAC) is in talks with traditional authorities and local leadership in the Zambezi and Kavango East regions to secure additional land for the development of modern airports. Bisey Uirab, NAC's CEO, highlighted that the current airports in the Zambezi and Kavango East regions are situated on land owned by the Ministry of Defence and Veterans […] todayJanuary 26, 2024 6
insert_link Africa Lagos styrofoam, plastics ban brings applause and concern From trash-strewn pavements to street vendors packing meals in polystyrene containers, plastic waste is a constant menace in the urban landscape of Lagos, Nigeria's economic capital and the continent's most populous city. That image could soon change if the local Lagos State government manages to implement its recent ambitious ban on the use of polystyrene and single-use plastics. Sunday's announcement of the ban on styrofoam boxes and single-use plastics, "with […] todayJanuary 25, 2024 26
insert_link Africa African MMA fighters are not just flourishing on the global stage, they’re igniting a wildfire of growth back home. By Bonface Orucho, via bird story agency The triumphs of African fighters in global mixed martial arts (MMA) tournaments are not just fueling a new generation of competitors entering the rigorous sport; they are establishing a distinct presence for MMA on the continent. Dricus Du Plessis, the 30-year-old South African professional mixed martial artist who kicked and punched his way into carrying the UFC middleweight championship belt on Saturday, […] todayJanuary 25, 2024 4
insert_link Africa Nigeria has a democracy deficit – corruption and a lack of welfare policies are to blame By Fidelis Allen, University of Port Harcourt Democracy refers, at a minimum, to a political system that guarantees some involvement in decision-making. It gives citizens opportunities to choose and replace their leaders or representatives via free and fair elections. But that’s not all. Democracy also protects citizens’ socio-economic, political and cultural rights. Its success turns on its ability to bring changes to the living conditions of citizens. It […] todayJanuary 25, 2024 8
Africa IMF tracking shows that no African state has sought comprehensive debt relief in over a year indicating a trend of growing fiscal hygiene across the region By Seth Onyango, via bird story agency Countries in Africa are showing signs of improving fiscal management, as they navigate through a cascading set of global shocks that exacerbated their debt vulnerabilities. Remarkably, no state has sought comprehensive debt relief since Ghana’s request over a year ago, signalling a trend of growing fiscal discipline across the region. The improvement bucks the trend of recent years, given that […] todayJanuary 25, 2024 9
insert_link Africa Recent report by the Committee to Protect Journalists paints a bleak picture for sub-Saharan Africa A recent report by the Committee to Protect Journalists paints a bleak picture for sub-Saharan Africa. The number of incarcerated journalists has risen from 31 in 2022 to 47 last month. The committee ranks Eritrea at the forefront of media freedom violators in Africa, with 16 journalists behind bars. Ethiopia is second, with eight journalists in detention, followed by Cameroon with six. The committee is concerned about the lack of […] todayJanuary 25, 2024 8
insert_link Africa Blinken sees growing partner in Angola on Africa democracy tour US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday will explore greater coordination with emerging regional partner Angola, capping a tour of Africa to champion US-friendly democracies as global crises mount. After years of estrangement with Washington during the Cold War, Angola has seen growing common ground with the United States including by working together to address violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Blinken arrived late Wednesday in the oil-rich […] todayJanuary 25, 2024 7