insert_link Africa Military spending in DRC and South Sudan rose fastest in the world: society ends up paying the price By Nan Tian, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute Global military expenditure is dominated by the United States and China, with 49% of total spending between them. According to the most recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, global military spending reached US$2.4 trillion in 2023, a 6.8% increase on 2022. Africa’s military expenditure is comparatively low. In 2023, African countries spent a total […] today18 July, 2024
insert_link Africa Zimbabwe Commits to Backing New Currency with Reserves Zimbabwe's central bank governor reassured Reuters on Wednesday that the government remains committed to backing its new currency, called Zimbabwe Gold or ZiG, with reserves. This commitment, he stated, aims to build trust among the population. ZiG marks Zimbabwe's sixth attempt at a local currency in 15 years, launched in April following periods of hyperinflation under former leader Robert Mugabe. today18 July, 2024
insert_link Africa TotalEnergies Sells Minority Stake in Nigerian Onshore Oil JV for $860 Million TotalEnergies has sold its 10% stake in the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited to Mauritius-based Chappal Energies for $860 million says Reuters. CEO Patrick Pouyanne announced in February that TotalEnergies planned to exit the venture due to numerous oil spills caused by theft, sabotage, and operational issues, which resulted in costly repairs and high-profile lawsuits. today18 July, 2024
insert_link Africa Namibia denies visa extension for King of Buganda In a surprising turn of events, the government has declined the visa extension request for Ronald Mutebi II, the King of the Buganda tribe of Uganda. King Mutebi, who travelled to Namibia for medical treatment in April, will not be allowed to extend his stay beyond the maximum 90 days set by the Immigration Control Act of 1993, as confirmed by Penda Naanda, the Executive Director of the Ministry of […] today17 July, 2024
insert_link Africa ‘Extinct’ trees found in Tanzania sparks hope for ecosystem recovery Conservationists in eastern Tanzania have found two specimens of a rare tree feared to be extinct. Millettia sacleuxii was only known from six specimens in forest reserves that have almost disappeared. Thousands of seeds have been collected and seedlings raised, and these are due to be planted out as part of a reforestation project in the Nguru Mountains. The two surviving Millettia “mother trees” were found near an area that […] today17 July, 2024
insert_link Africa Kenya protests show citizens don’t trust government with their tax money: can Ruto make a meaningful new deal? By Eric Magale, University of Pretoria and Mario Schmidt, Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology Each year, the Kenyan government tables a finance bill outlining measures for funding the national budget. In the past, these bills have scarcely attracted public attention. This changed dramatically in 2023, with President William Ruto’s first budget following his election victory the year before. Ruto inherited an economy battling […] today17 July, 2024
insert_link Africa Sudan Conflict Displaces Over 10 Million, Worsens Hunger Crisis Reuters compiled this reports on the International Organization for Migration reporting on Tuesday that more than 10 million Sudanese, or 20% of the population, have been displaced since the conflict began in April 2023. This marks the world's largest displacement crisis. The ongoing war has left half of Sudan's 50 million people facing a hunger crisis and in urgent need of humanitarian aid. today17 July, 2024
insert_link Africa Renewed Anti-Government Protests in Kenya Result in Fatality According to Reuters, at least one person was killed as anti-government protests reignited across Kenya on Tuesday. Police clashed with demonstrators demanding President William Ruto's resignation. Despite Ruto withdrawing proposed tax hikes and dismissing most of his cabinet, youth-led protests have persisted. Activists are calling for systemic changes to tackle corruption and improve governance. today17 July, 2024
insert_link Africa Kenyan court orders suspected serial killer to be held for 30 days A Kenyan court on Tuesday ordered a man who police said has confessed to murdering and dismembering 42 women to be detained for 30 days while the investigation continues. Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, 33, described by police as a "vampire, a psychopath", was arrested in the early hours of Monday following the horrific discovery of mutilated bodies in a Nairobi garbage dump. He appeared in a Nairobi […] today16 July, 2024