insert_link Opinion Pieces Wagner Group is now Africa Corps. What this means for Russia’s operations on the continent By Alessandro Arduino, King's College London In August 2023, Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin died after his private jet crashed about an hour after taking off in Moscow. He had been Russia’s pointman in Africa since the Wagner Group began operating on the continent in 2017. The group is known for deploying paramilitary forces, running disinformation campaigns and propping up influential political leaders. It has had a […] todayFebruary 16, 2024 7
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 23
insert_link Namibia Namibian Police Chief Commends Nation’s Smooth Transition, Ensures Security for Dignitaries at Late President’s Funeral Namibia's Inspector General of Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, acknowledged on Monday that other countries have praised Namibia for efficiently preventing a leadership vacuum during the transition of power. He emphasized that, unlike in some countries where such transitions can lead to unrest and security challenges, Namibia has successfully maintained stability. Lieutenant General Shikongo highlighted the automatic reinforcement of security measures for both the current president and the vice president. […] todayFebruary 6, 2024 33
insert_link Africa Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger want to leave Ecowas. A political scientist explains the fallout By Olayinka Ajala, Leeds Beckett University Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have sent Ecowas, west Africa’s main political union of 15 countries, a formal notice of their withdrawal from the bloc. The three countries are governed by military rulers who have overthrown democratically elected leaders since 2021. The Conversation Africa’s Godfred Akoto Boafo asked political scientist Olayinka Ajala about the implications of the withdrawal. Why are Mali, Benin […] todayFebruary 6, 2024 3
insert_link Africa Niger and Russia are forming military ties: 3 ways this could upset old allies By Olayinka Ajala, Leeds Beckett University In July 2023, Niger’s military took over in a coup just two years after the country’s first transition to civilian power. The coup has brought into sharp focus the role of foreign countries in Niger’s politics. Before the coup, France and the US were the main security allies of Niger. But the coup leaders, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, were open about […] todayJanuary 30, 2024 6
insert_link Lifestyle Deepfakes: How to empower youth to fight the threat of misinformation and disinformation Deepfakes pose a profound social threat, and education along with technology and legislation matters for containing and addressing this. (Shutterstock) Nadia Naffi, Université Laval The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024 has issued a stark warning: misinformation and disinformation, primarily driven by deepfakes, are ranked as the most severe global short-term risks the world faces in the next two years. In October 2023, the Innovation council of Québec shared […] todayJanuary 29, 2024 3
insert_link Business / Economics BP pauses all Red Sea shipments after rebel attacks BP has temporarily halted oil shipments through the Red Sea due to recent attacks by Houthi rebels. According to the BBC, the decision was brought on by the deteriorating security situation and follows similar actions by other freight companies targeted by the rebels in Yemen. The Red Sea is a critical route for global oil, fuel, and consumer goods shipments. todayDecember 18, 2023 9
insert_link Namibia Erongo prepares for festive season with safety operation Erongo Governor Neville Andre Itope participated in the "Festive Season Operation" in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, by joining the Namibian Police and the neighborhood watch as they prepared for the influx of visitors during the festive season. todayDecember 18, 2023 39
insert_link Namibia Ministry of Home Affairs making inroads with civil registration The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, Lucia Witbooi, disclosed that over 90 thousand birth certificates were issued this year through both fixed registration points and mobile registration services. During an address at the government information centre in Windhoek, Witbooi emphasized the critical significance of birth registration. She highlighted that it is a fundamental human right and serves as the cornerstone of a child's legal identity. This […] todayDecember 14, 2023 17
