insert_link Africa Niger’s Junta Agrees to Talks with Benin to Restore Relations Post-Coup Niger's junta has agreed to discussions with Benin's government, facilitated by former Benin presidents Thomas Boni Yayi and Nicephore Soglo, to restore relations following last year's coup. The coup had led to the closure of the border and the shutdown of a China-backed oil pipeline. This decision came after a meeting between Niger's military leader General Abdourahamane Tiani and the former presidents on June 24, as announced by Niger's government […] todayJuly 4, 2024 6
insert_link World Gang violence continues In Haiti despite new interim government With a new Prime Minister in place, the United Nations says Haiti is making headway to restore peace and hold credible elections. But these new developments are marred by ongoing gang violence in the capital and a lack of law and order. Jody Jacobs reports. todayJuly 4, 2024 8
insert_link Business / Economics 4 July Morning Biz News: Global Markets Surge Amid Economic Optimism and Strategic Oil Sector Moves 1. Botswana and Namibia Explore Fuel Storage Collaboration In a move aimed at enhancing regional fuel logistics, Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi has announced that the Botswana Oil Company is in talks with the Namibia National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to establish shared fuel storage facilities at Walvis Bay. This collaboration seeks to optimize fuel transportation and streamline oil sourcing from Angola, potentially bolstering efficiency across the supply chain. 2. South African […] todayJuly 4, 2024 17
insert_link World White House denies reports Biden will drop out The White House has refuted claims that President Joe Biden plans to withdraw from the presidential race, despite concerns within his party about his fitness for another term. Following a weak debate performance, there has been panic and calls for Biden to step aside for a stronger candidate to face Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Biden remains committed to his campaign, and Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that reports […] todayJuly 4, 2024 8
insert_link Namibia Government Allocates N$365 Million to Subsidize Electricity, Cancels Tariff Increase Amid public pressure, the government has decided to allocate N$365 million to subsidize electricity consumers for the 2024/25 financial year, maintaining the current tariff of N$1.98 per kilowatt-hour instead of increasing it to N$2.14. The decision, announced after consultations led by Minister of Mines and Energy Thomas Alweendo with the Electricity Control Board. Shaun Gariseb of Katutura's Residents Committee spoke with us. Political Analyst and Professor Ndumba Kamwanya also […] todayJuly 4, 2024 18
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s General Industries union Argues On Fuel Price Drops As Insufficient South Africa's General Industries union , Giwusa argues that recent fuel price decreases provide only temporary relief and fail to address the long-term trend of rising costs, making fuel increasingly inaccessible. The union advocates for the nationalisation of the petrochemicals industry to ensure sustainable and affordable clean fuels. Giwusa's, Koketso Phasha criticizes current regulations for prioritizing profits over public welfare. todayJuly 4, 2024 10
insert_link Namibia Records Show close to 390 Wildlife Crime Cases in 2023, Highlighting National Concern Namibia registered 389 wildlife crime cases in 2023, with 96 cases finalized, according to the Wildlife Protection and Law Enforcement National Report for 2023. The report, launched by environmental and law enforcement stakeholders in Windhoek, points to the increasing complexity and cost of investigating syndicate activities. Prosecutor General ,Martha Imalwa emphasized at the forum that wildlife crimes pose a significant threat to Namibia's national heritage and disrupt the environment and […] todayJuly 4, 2024 38
insert_link Africa Kenyan Activists Rethink Strategy Amid Violence in Anti-Government Protests Activists leading Kenya's anti-government protests are re-evaluating their approach after Tuesday's demonstrations were disrupted by violence and looting, which they fear could undermine their efforts to push President William Ruto to resign as reported by Reuters. The activists attribute the violence to "goons" allegedly hired by politicians to discredit the protests or pursue personal agendas. Some activists have called on social media to cancel the next planned demonstration on Thursday. todayJuly 4, 2024 9
insert_link Namibia Former Ombudsman Condemns Government’s Anti-LGBTQI+ Policies as Oppressive Former ombudsman, John Walters criticized the government's treatment of the LGBTQI+ community, comparing it to the oppression faced by people of color under South Africa's apartheid regime. Walters spoke out against the marriage bill tabled by Minister Albert Kawana, which prohibits same-sex marriage, arguing that it perpetuates colonial-era repressive legislation. He emphasized that this prohibition on same-sex love and marriage echoes past injustices related to race and marriage. todayJuly 4, 2024 9