Death toll hits 25 after boats capsize near Madagascar
At least 25 Somali migrants have perished after two boats carrying them capsized in the Indian Ocean near the island of Nosy Be, off northern Madagascar.
Fuel crisis sparks protests in Malawi
Malawi police used tear gas to disperse a protest against the ongoing fuel shortage, which has led to widespread disruptions and public anger.
Ugandan opposition leader abducted, faces military trial
His wife, Winnie Byanyima, has expressed concerns about the fairness of the trial and has called on international pressure to secure his release.
Children die in Mozambique protests amid political unrest
Mozambique has been rocked by post-election violence, with security forces accused of killing at least 10 children and injuring dozens more, HRW report shows.
Armed gangs kill 30 in 3 days in Nigeria’s Benue State
Hundreds of armed men stormed communities in Katrina Ala Local Government on Monday, opening fire on farmers and residents, official tells media
Kenyan police teargas anti-femicide protesters
Globally, 85,000 women were intentionally killed in 2023, with Africa reporting the highest rates, according to the UN
Libyan forces detain over 300 migrants in desert crossing attempt
Aerial photos showed men, women, and children surrounded by soldiers after being intercepted by a desert patrol
WHO declares Mpox outbreak ongoing public health emergency
WHO Declares Mpox Outbreak Ongoing Public Health Emergency The World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated that the mpox outbreak remains a public health emergency of international concern, citing the rising number of cases, continued geographic spread, and operational challenges in managing the crisis. The WHO’s emergency committee issued this assessment on November 22, extending the emergency declaration first made in August. Africa has been the hardest-hit region, with 19 countries reporting mpox cases since the start of the year. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to be the epicenter of the outbreak. Canada has also confirmed its first case of Clade I mpox, linked to travel associated with the ongoing outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa. To combat the spread, over 50,000 people have been vaccinated in high-risk areas, with plans to expand the vaccination program to the capital, Kinshasa, next week. Last week, the WHO approved a second mpox vaccine for emergency use, following a review of its safety, quality, and efficacy. As of now, Africa has reported over 46,000 suspected mpox cases and 1,081 deaths in the current outbreak.
Niger demands EU ambassador’s replacement over aid dispute
Niger Requests EU Ambassador’s Replacement Amid Aid Dispute Niger’s government has formally requested the European Union to replace its ambassador, Salvador Pinto da Franca, amid tensions over the distribution of emergency aid. The EU recalled da Franca on Saturday after Niger’s military rulers accused him of allocating €1.3 million in flood relief to NGOs without prior approval. The EU rejected these allegations, expressing “profound disagreement.” On Sunday, Niger’s foreign ministry accused da Franca of continuing “unauthorized operations” despite previous warnings issued in October. The ministry declared that cooperation with the ambassador had become untenable and called for his replacement “as soon as possible.” Since June, flooding in Niger has killed more than 300 people and displaced over 1.1 million. The government stated that it had not requested EU aid and would address the damage with its own resources. Tensions between Niger and the EU have escalated since the July 2023 military coup, with the country distancing itself from both France and the European bloc.
Nigeria: The world’s yam powerhouse
Nigeria has firmly established itself as the global leader in yam production, cultivating over 60% of the world’s supply
Namibia’s Nandi-Ndaitwah poised to become first female president
Namibia’s Vice President Could Make History as First Female President Namibia’s Vice President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, could become the country’s first female president if she wins the upcoming presidential election on Wednesday. Around 1.4 million people—approximately half the population—have registered to vote, with 15 political parties vying for the presidency and National Assembly seats. Early results from special polls for Namibia’s foreign missions, seamen, and security services, released this month by the Electoral Commission of Namibia, show that Nandi-Ndaitwah and her party, the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), are leading the race. SWAPO has governed Namibia since the country gained independence from South Africa’s apartheid regime in 1990. However, the party lost its two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for the first time in 2019, a blow largely attributed to corruption and money laundering scandals in Namibia’s fishing industry, which led to arrests and convictions of key ministers and businessmen. Political analyst Henning Melber, a professor at the University of Pretoria and University of the Free State, cautioned that SWAPO and Nandi-Ndaitwah must heed the 2019 election results, despite their apparent lead in the current race. He noted that SWAPO faces the challenge of attracting younger voters, who may not feel the same emotional connection to the party’s liberation history as older generations. Melber pointed out that “born-frees”—those born after the country’s liberation—are more likely to vote based on policy delivery and governance rather than historical sentiments. “The process of erosion of legitimacy as a former liberation movement has advanced too much,” he said. Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, has promised to tackle high youth unemployment, which stands at 20%, by creating more than 500,000 jobs over the next five years, backed by a $4.7 billion investment. However, critics argue that her goals may be unrealistic. Issues affecting women, such as reproductive rights, equal pay, and healthcare, are also expected to be key topics for voters. Should she win, Nandi-Ndaitwah would join the ranks of other pioneering female African leaders, such as Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Malawi’s Joyce Banda, and Samba Pranza of the Central African Republic. Erika Thomas, a political science lecturer at the University of Namibia, emphasized that Nandi-Ndaitwah would need to demonstrate independence, transparency, and accountability if elected. “She must also push for policies that increase women’s participation in political structures,” Thomas added. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s main competition will come from the Independent Patriots for Change, led by former dentist Panduleni Itula, and university professor Job Amupanda’s Affirmative Repositioning party. As the election campaigns wrapped up this weekend, political analysts pointed to significant changes across southern Africa this year. The ANC in South Africa lost its 30-year parliamentary majority, Botswana’s ruling party was unseated after 58 years in power, and the opposition in Mauritius claimed a landslide victory. Meanwhile, protests continue in Mozambique over disputed election results, leading to at least 30 deaths.
Power system failure leaves Zambia in the dark
Zambia experienced a nationwide power outage on Sunday due to a power system disturbance, and the state utility Zesco is working to restore power.
South African writer Breyten Breytenbach dies at 85 in Paris
Renowned poet and artist Breyten Breytenbach passed away at 85; his life was marked by anti-apartheid activism, imprisonment, and global recognition.
Sudan risks collapse as civil society crumbles, warns aid chief
Over 10 million people have been displaced, with millions on the brink of starvation, as aid efforts falter.
The heart of African society: The extended family
The extended family is not just a social structure—it is the foundation of community life
Gunmen kill 7 farmers in Niger state, Nigeria
In Nigeria’s Niger state, gunmen from a local gang carried out an attack that resulted in the deaths of seven farmers. According to local reports, the armed assailants targeted workers in a field in the Bangi area of Niger state. Several others were injured in the attack. Niger state has experienced periodic armed assaults in recent years. In a similar incident on November 6, 10 people were killed in an attack in the Rafi region. Nigeria has long been grappling with violence from both armed criminal groups and terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province).
Deadly landslide hits eastern DR Congo
The impact of climate change is evident in the deadly landslide that struck eastern DR Congo, claiming the lives of 10 people.
Boat accident claims tens of Somali lives
At least 22 Somali migrants lost their lives when two boats carrying 70 passengers capsized off the coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. The incident, which occurred on an unspecified date, was confirmed by Somali Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union Abdullahi Warfa. While the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, the tragic event underscores the perilous journey taken by many Somalis seeking a better life. The Indian Ocean has become a deadly route for migrants, with numerous incidents of boat capsizing and loss of life reported in recent months. Earlier this year, at least 24 people, including women and children, perished after a boat sank off the coast of the Comoros Islands, allegedly due to deliberate capsizing by human traffickers. These recurring tragedies highlight the urgent need for international cooperation to address the root causes of migration and to provide safe and legal pathways for those seeking a better future.
Kenya accused of role in Ugandan opposition leader’s arrest
A Ugandan lawyer has accused Kenyan authorities of playing a significant role in the arrest and extradition of opposition figure Kizza Besigye from Nairobi to Kampala.
Ethiopia launches rehab program for Tigray ex-combatants
Ethiopia has launched a rehabilitation program for 75,000 ex-combatants in the Tigray region, aiming to reintegrate them into society after years of conflict.
EU recalls ambassador from niger over aid dispute
Diplomatic tensions between the European Union and Niger’s military junta have escalated after the junta accused the EU of mishandling a 1.3 million euro aid fund for flood victims.
EU recalls envoy from Niger amid aid mismanagement allegations
Niger’s junta alleged the funds were distributed among international NGOs without transparency or coordination with local authorities
Tanzania: Opposition leader Freeman Mbowe freed on bail after arrest
While some party members remain in custody, Mbowe and others have been summoned for a November 29 hearing
Africa’s indigenous writing systems: A legacy of early literacy
Africa’s rich history of innovation and culture showcases remarkable indigenous writing systems
Seven Russian mercenaries killed in Mali
A deadly attack in central Mali has claimed the lives of at least seven Russian mercenaries.
France raises alarm over missing writer in Algeria
Sansal, a vocal critic of the Algerian government, is rumored to have been detained by Algerian authorities, though no official confirmation has been given
Tanzania opposition leader detained before local elections
Freeman Mbowe, Tanzania’s opposition leader, was arrested after a rally crackdown, intensifying concerns about fairness in upcoming local polls.
