Former Zambian 1st lady arrested on money laundering charges
Zambia’s former first lady Esther Lungu was arrested and charged with possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime and money laundering offences Wednesday by the country’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC). DEC spokesman Allan Tamba said this is in relation to ongoing investigations into her ownership of several properties. “Mrs. Esther Lungu has since been released on police bond pending court proceedings,” Tamba said in a statement issued in the capital, Lusaka. Her lawyer, Charles Changano, also confirmed the arrest to Anadolu. On the property-related charge, Changano said this was in relation to a property his client possesses in a Lusaka suburb. He said the second charge was that of money laundering for hiring a third party and that she had denied both charges. ”So she has been granted extended bond and we have been told that we may be called again, as this matter is under ongoing investigation,” Changano said after his client underwent questioning in Lusaka.
Botswana awaits election results
Botswana awaits election results that could extend the Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) 58-year rule. Duma Boko, leader of the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), expressed concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, suggesting the Independent Electoral Commission is undermining fair elections. Ballot counting began shortly after polls closed at 17:00 GMT, though some stations remained open late to accommodate voters in line. This election will shape the parliament of the diamond-rich nation, with lawmakers later selecting the president. In the previous 2019 election, the ruling party secured 38 of 57 contested seats. President Mokgweetsi Masisi, a former high school teacher, is vying for a second and final term, with a party needing at least 31 seats to claim victory.
African Union calls for UN action on Israel’s UNRWA ban
The African Union Commission has condemned Israel’s decision to ban UNRWA and called on the UN to take decisive action.
Eight miners killed in Zambia mine collapse
A deadly mine accident in Zambia has claimed the lives of eight informal miners. The incident occurred at an open-pit copper mine in Chingola.
UN council approves Somalia mission wind-down
The UN Security Council has voted to begin a two-year withdrawal of its political mission in Somalia, UNSOM, which will transition into UNTMIS.
Ghana’s supreme court restores parliament before elections
Ghana’s Supreme Court has overturned a decision to vacate four parliamentary seats, averting a potential political crisis ahead of the country’s upcoming elections.
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans: Africa’s white desert
In the heart of Botswana lies a vast, shimmering expanse known as the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
DR Congo military helicopter crash kills three expatriates
A military helicopter crashed in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing three expatriate crew members.
South Africa revokes citizenship of country’s ex-miss contestant
Chidimma Adetshina, who withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant due to xenophobic attacks, has had her South African citizenship revoked by the government.
Fungal fighter: Kenya’s bioherbicide battles witchweed
A Kenyan social enterprise is leading the way in sustainable agriculture with Kichawi Kill, a fungal bioherbicide that provides a safe and eco-friendly solution to the witchweed problem.
Suspected brides-for-cash syndicate busted in South Africa
During a raid on a Durban building Monday, police seized ID copies, marriage application forms, and other evidence, some of which one suspect reportedly tried to destroy
Botswana begins presidential and parliamentary elections
4 candidates vie for top job in diamond-rich southern African nation, including incumbent President Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi
Kenyan farmers find relief from witchweed with new bioherbicide
In western Kenya, small-scale farmers like Catherine Wanjala have long struggled with the devastating effects of witchweed, or striga, which drains essential nutrients from crops like maize, leading to stunted growth and poor yields. This parasitic plant has left families with limited food supplies and disrupted children’s education due to reduced income. Wanjala’s fortunes changed when she began using Kichawi Kill, a bioherbicide that targets only the invasive witchweed without affecting surrounding plants. Developed by the social enterprise Toothpick, Kichawi Kill has helped Wanjala increase her maize harvest by 675%, allowing her to keep her children fed and in school. Launched in Kenya in 2023 with support from the World Food Programme, Kichawi Kill is a groundbreaking solution crafted from a naturally occurring fungus. Unlike chemical pesticides, it does not accumulate in the soil or harm local ecosystems, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional weed control. David Sands, a plant pathologist and Toothpick co-founder, notes, “Using biology to solve biological problems is a far better way than using chemicals.” With nearly 12,000 farmers benefiting and almost a million dollars’ worth of crops saved, Kichawi Kill has shown promise across sub-Saharan Africa, where witchweed infestation affects 1.4 million hectares and causes billions in crop losses each year. Trials are underway for expansion into Uganda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Ghana, with hopes that this eco-friendly approach can transform farming for countless others.
Zambia good partner in many areas, says Turkey
Turkey’s Ambassador to Zambia said Tuesday that the southern African nation was a good partner in many areas. “We are working together in every field, from trade to business, from Turkey scholarships to other exchanges, as we strive to build a better future together,” Istem Circiroglu told guests during an event marking the 101st anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in the capital, Lusaka. Circiroglu said she was pleased to note that Turkish development assistance in Zambia had exceeded $2 million, with the figure surpassing $5 million with the addition of scholarships so far provided to Zambian students. “The Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA), Diyanet Foundation and others are also engaged in Zambia. This year is also my farewell to beautiful Zambia and my friends here. I promise I will always remember and keep a place for all of you in my heart,” she added. Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata was elated that the occasion was held only days after the commemoration of Zambia’s 60th independence anniversary, adding the country would continue consolidating bilateral ties with Türkiye. A Zambian independence celebration was also held in the Turkish capital Ankara, punctuated with a performance by Zambian and Turkish musicians.
Botswana votes to decide fate of ruling party’s 58-year reign
Botswana heads to the polls on Wednesday, facing a pivotal election that will decide whether the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) can maintain its 58-year grip on power. Analysts suggest this election is particularly unpredictable, as the country grapples with an economic downturn due to declining demand for diamonds, a crucial resource. The opposition criticizes the BDP for its lengthy tenure, accusing it of economic mismanagement and corruption—claims the party denies. Many young voters in the capital, Gaborone, hope for change that will bring employment opportunities. While Botswana is generally regarded as having low corruption and good governance, public confidence in the government is waning. “I’m a graduate but still unemployed. I hope this election will lead to a brighter future,” said resident Maitshwarelo Ditsebe. With unemployment exceeding 27% and youth unemployment over 45%, there is a strong desire for change. “I hope the party I vote for will create jobs for young women,” added Gaborone resident Boago Sentsho. President Mokgweetsi Masisi of the BDP is seeking a second and final term, competing against three challengers, including Duma Boko from the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change, who has promised to significantly raise the minimum wage and enhance social grants. The election will determine the composition of parliament, with voters casting ballots for 61 National Assembly seats and 609 local council seats. Polling stations open at 6 AM on Wednesday.
South Africa hosts Russian Air Force for goodwill visit
The visit includes the landing of Russian military aircraft, including strategic bombers, at Air Force Base Waterkloof.
Italy and Libya sign deals to boost cooperation
Italy’s Mattei Plan, aimed at fostering cooperation with African countries, has led to several agreements with Libya, including those related to energy, infrastructure, and migration.
Tanzania hosts summit on healthcare access and gender equality
The 11th Merck Foundation Africa-Asia Luminary Summit in Tanzania has gathered First Ladies to address pressing healthcare issues.
ICC charges fugitive Ugandan warlord Kony in absentia
Joseph Kony, the notorious warlord, will face justice, as the ICC confirms charges against him in absentia.
Nigerian lawmaker filmed assaulting delivery driver, triggers outrage
In the footage, a visibly agitated Ikwechegh chastised the driver, deeming it disrespectful to be asked to come out in person
Tragic building collapse claims seven lives in Abuja, Nigeria
The incident occurred in the Sabon-Lugbe neighborhood, where the structure had already been partially demolished
Nigeria vows all measures to curb inflation, says Central Bank chief
Inflation in Nigeria rose in September for the first time in three months, reaching an annual rate of 32.70%
Cholera outbreak declared in South Sudan
Health minister assures public that government is committed to stopping spread of the bacterial disease
Chad declares 3-day mourning for fallen soldiers
President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno vows to hunt down assailants
Air pollution threatens public health in urban centers Like Lagos and Cairo
Urban centers across Africa, notably Lagos and Cairo, are witnessing rising levels of air pollution
Turkey condemns terror attack in Chad, offers condolences
Türkiye on Monday expressed condolences with the people of Chad over a terrorist attack in the Central African country. A statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed sadness over the killing of nearly 40 Chadian soldiers and many others injured by a “terrorist attack on a military base in the Lake Chad province” on Sunday. The ministry statement also wished a swift recovery to the wounded and wished Allah’s mercy on those who lost their lives.
Macron in Morocco to boost trade and immigration ties
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Morocco on Monday for a three-day visit focused on enhancing trade, climate change, and immigration partnerships. In Rabat, he will meet with King Mohammed VI and Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, and address the Moroccan parliament. The visit aims to repair relations between the two countries, strained in recent years, particularly over France’s position on Western Sahara. In July, Macron shifted France’s long-standing stance, supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan for the region, which has been welcomed by Rabat, especially after it gained U.S. recognition for its claim in exchange for normalizing ties with Israel in 2020. Morocco is the largest destination for French investment in Africa, hosting over 900 French subsidiaries, and is also France’s top trading partner in the region. Macron’s visit may pave the way for future economic agreements and address ongoing immigration and visa policy issues.
