Bayelsa police spokesperson Musa Muhammed reported on Thursday that the boat was carrying traders transporting goods to various coastal communities

The nationwide protests, largely led by youth, began peacefully in June but have since turned violent, resulting in the deaths of over 50 people

Hospitality is more than just a courteous gesture; it is a fundamental way of life

 Eleven people were killed Wednesday in an armed attack on a mining site in Nigeria’s Zamfara state Gunmen on motorcycles attacked the site in the Anka area, according to local media reports. Several people were also wounded in the attack. Nigeria has long faced attacks from armed gangs as well as terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, the West African branch of the Daesh/ISIS, in various parts of the country. Despite a mandatory death penalty for kidnapping in Nigeria, abductions for ransom are common. Armed groups often target villages, schools and travelers in the northern part of the country to demand ransom.

Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani on Wednesday, just a year into his tenure. Saied appointed Kamel Maddouri, the Minister of Social Affairs, as the new Prime Minister, according to a presidential statement. Hours before his dismissal, Hachani claimed in a video message that the government had made progress despite challenges with high food and energy prices. The dismissal comes amid widespread discontent over water and electricity outages across the country. The government blames these issues on a severe drought, leading to water rationing. The agriculture ministry reports that dam levels are critically low at 25 percent, while Saied views the water shortages as a conspiracy against him, asserting that the dams are actually full. Saied has announced his intention to run for president in October, facing strong opposition and criticism from human rights organizations and rivals who accuse him of suppressing and intimidating opponents to secure a second term.

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to advance the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill despite significant opposition. He signed the contentious Bill into law just before his party, the African National Congress, lost its parliamentary majority in May. The NHI aims to overhaul the country’s two-tier healthcare system to provide universal coverage and gradually reduce the role of private health insurance, currently held by fewer than 16% of South Africans. While supporters view the Bill as a step towards addressing apartheid-era inequalities, critics argue that the funding model is flawed and fear that corruption and budget constraints may hinder its success. On the final day of the ANC policy meeting, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced that some sections of the Bill would be implemented immediately, including forming advisory committees and updating health laws. However, he acknowledged that the full rollout would be phased over several years and might face delays due to legal challenges.

Amidst growing economic hardship in Nigeria, protests erupted against government policies.

South Africa’s PSiRA has confirmed that a camp where 95 Libyan nationals were undergoing military-style training was illegal and not accredited.

New Cabinet follows reelection of Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani as president for 2nd term in office

The United States has unveiled a substantial $424 million aid package aimed at alleviating the suffering of millions of people in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Cases have surged in Africa, with neighboring countries reporting infections.

At least three seasoned African politicians—representing Djibouti, Kenya, and Mauritius—are competing for the position of chair of the African Union Commission. The pan-continental body, comprising 55 member states, will hold elections during its February summit to select a successor to Moussa Faki Mahamat. This year, the role is designated for a representative from East Africa, aiming to replace Chad’s veteran politician, Faki, who has held the position since 2017. Let’s meet the contenders: Mahamoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti): As Djibouti’s foreign minister since 2005, Youssouf emphasizes his ability to bridge linguistic and regional divides. Fluent in French, English, and Arabic, he aims to promote unity and address pressing issues, including silencing conflicts across the continent. Raila Odinga (Kenya): A seasoned opposition leader, Odinga, 79, has made five unsuccessful attempts to become Kenya’s president. His political journey involved imprisonment and exile as he fought for democracy during President Daniel arap Moi’s autocratic rule. Odinga’s focus is on securing the chairmanship for Kenya and serving Africa. Anil Gayan (Mauritius): Serving as Mauritius’ foreign minister from 1983 to 1986 and again from 2000 to 2003, Gayan brings experience to the race. His diverse background includes roles in tourism and health ministries. Gayan submitted his candidacy last week, adding another dimension to the competition. The deadline for candidacies closed on August 6, but the final list is yet to be released by the African Union, headquartered in Addis Ababa. The election, conducted by secret ballot, requires the winner to secure a two-thirds majority vote among eligible member states. The AU commission chair serves a four-year term, renewable once

Since the start of 2023, the outbreak in the DRC has resulted in approximately 27,000 cases and over 1,100 deaths

The incident occurred in Katlehong, near Johannesburg, where a video showed Pastor Mboro wielding blades and confronting teachers

Assoumani, 65, who was re-elected in January amid allegations of voter fraud, is accused by opponents and analysts of grooming El Fath to succeed him in 2029

In a televised address, junta spokesperson Abdourahamane Amadou stated that Niger’s decision was made in solidarity with Mali’s government and people

Several African nations are investing heavily in modernizing their infrastructure

In Nigeria’s Kogi State, six people have died from food poisoning. According to national reports, individuals who consumed the local dish “amala” at a home in the Anyoke area of Kogi State were affected. Six of those poisoned died at the residence. Kogi State Health Commissioner AbdulAzzez Adams Adeiza stated that two others from the same household were hospitalized with symptoms of vomiting and abdominal pain. A health committee has been established to investigate the incident, and food samples have been collected for analysis.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU), celebrating its 105th anniversary, is holding its General Assembly in Africa for the first time this year. Cape Town, South Africa, is hosting the IAU’s 32nd General Assembly from August 6-15. The event, taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, brings together over 2,000 scientists and researchers from 82 countries, including Turkey. The assembly features more than 200 sessions covering the latest developments in astronomy. Topics include innovations from the James Webb Space Telescope, new techniques for discovering planets, combating light pollution, and astronomy’s role in global development. This year’s assembly is notable as the first to be held in Africa in the IAU’s 105-year history. The IAU General Assembly, a major scientific meeting in astronomy, has been held every three years since 1919, except during World War II.

The group condemned the SAF’s deployment of explosive barrels, which has caused significant destruction to civilian homes

With over 26 million people facing acute hunger and millions displaced, the UN is pleading for increased support to prevent a full-blown catastrophe in Sudan.

A controversial Pentecostal pastor in South Africa ignited fury when he invaded a school with weapons to take his children.

The UN World Food Programme is facing a severe funding shortage to address the devastating drought in Southern Africa, which has left millions facing food insecurity.

The arrests reflect a broader crackdown on any pro-Russian sentiment in Nigeria, a major oil producer and ally of Western nations