Zimbabweans protest 50% passport fee increase

Zimbabweans protest 50% passport fee increase

Over 1,100 people have signed a petition urging the Zimbabwean government to reconsider a nearly 50% increase in passport fees. Bloomberg Africa reports that the Zimbabwean consulate in Johannesburg on 26 July announced that the price of a passport would rise from $170 (about N$ 3 100) to $250 (about N$ 4 540), with the Zimbabwe Community in South Africa arguing that the new cost is unaffordable for many Zimbabweans.

August 5, 2024 19

Africa

Uganda on high alert following fighting in eastern DRC

Uganda has stepped up security at its border following renewed fighting in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has escalated dramatically with the recent takeover of a strategic border town by M23 rebels. Isabel Nakirya reports. Major Bilal Katamba, spokesperson for the Mountain Division of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), informed Xinhua that […]

August 5, 2024 16

Africa

Nigeria’s President calls for an end to nationwide protests

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has revealed that demonstrations last week that led to the deaths of at least 21 people had a political agenda and were meant to undermine his government. Tinubu, in his first public speech since the protests began on 1 August 2024, called for a suspension of demonstrations. Tesem Akende reports.

August 5, 2024 8

Africa

Sudan Denies Famine in North Darfur’s Zamzam Camp Despite Aid Group’s Concerns

Sudan denied the existence of famine in North Darfur's Zamzam camp for internally displaced people on Sunday according to Reuters reports. However, an aid group warned of a severe shortage of special food needed to treat malnourished children in the camp. On Thursday, a global food monitor reported that famine, confirmed by meeting criteria for acute malnutrition and mortality, was present in the camp and likely to persist until at […]

August 5, 2024 4

Africa

Tinubu Urges Suspension of Protests Amid Nigeria’s Cost of Living Crisis

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has called for a suspension of protests against the cost of living crisis, urging for an opportunity for dialogue says Reuters. This comes after Amnesty International reported that at least 13 people were killed in clashes with security forces on Thursday, the first day of protests. Police have denied using excessive force and reported seven deaths by Saturday, including casualties from an explosive device, a car […]

August 5, 2024 6

Africa

ANC rejects calls to relocate the 44th SADC summit from Zimbabwe

In South Africa, the ANC has rejected calls to relocate the 44th SADC summit from Zimbabwe due to activist arrests. President Mnangagwa insists Zimbabwe won’t tolerate violence ahead of the summit on August 17. Mnangagwa emphasised that the country’s ongoing peace enables it to pursue transformative projects. ANC spokesperson Zuko Godlimpi stated that Zimbabwe issues should be addressed in Zimbabwe:

August 5, 2024 21

Africa

Namibia and Zambia Address Cross-Border Crimes and Border Security at Joint Defence and Security Commission

At the 25th session of the Namibia/Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security, which concluded in Swakopmund on Thursday, both nations expressed concerns over cross-border crimes such as smuggling, illegal fishing, and migration. The meeting also addressed evolving transnational crimes like human trafficking and terrorist financing. Namibian Defence Minister Frans Kapofi highlighted ongoing efforts to define and mark the border, with a completion target of December 2025. The reopening […]

August 2, 2024 37

Africa

Tuareg Rebels Claim Heavy Losses for Russian Wagner Mercenaries in Mali

Northern Tuareg rebels in Mali announced on Thursday that they killed at least 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers during intense fighting in late July. According to Reuters, The Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security, and Development (CSP) reported these casualties from clashes near the northern border town of Tinzaouaten. Additionally, an al Qaeda affiliate claimed responsibility for ambushing and killing 50 Wagner fighters in the same region, […]

August 2, 2024 22

Africa

Three Protesters Killed in Nigeria Amid Nationwide Demonstrations

At least three protesters were killed in Nigeria's Kaduna state on Thursday, according to Reuters reporters and eyewitnesses. Demonstrators rallied across the nation against the rising cost of living and governance issues. Kaduna state police spokesperson Mansur Hassan stated that the police used tear gas, not live ammunition. In the capital city, Abuja, police also fired tear gas to disperse crowds of protesters.

August 2, 2024 11