Across Africa, nations are intensifying their efforts to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

The raids, marked by fear and uncertainty, led to numerous arrests of South Sudanese refugees, who were accused—often without evidence—of collaborating with the RSF

Rupert, whose company owns global luxury brands like Cartier and Montblanc, saw his net worth surge by $1.9 billion, reaching $14.3 billion

The WFP’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is leading the investigation, focusing on allegations of fraud and deliberate misinformation

Namibia, a South African country, denied entry to the ship “MV Kathrin,” which was carrying weapons to Israel, into its territorial waters and Walvis Bay Port. According to Namibia’s New Era newspaper, Justice Minister Yvonne Dausab instructed relevant authorities, including the Namibia Ports Authority, to prevent the ship from entering the country’s waters. In a statement to the press, Dausab highlighted Namibia’s clear stance on Palestine, noting that a more detailed investigation by the Namibia Police Force revealed the ship was carrying explosives intended for Israel, leading to the ban on its entry. Dausab called for an end to violence in Palestine and emphasized that after receiving reports of the ship carrying weapons to Israel, she reminded authorities of Namibia’s international obligations, as indicated by both the Genocide Convention and recent advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). She requested that the ship be denied access to Walvis Bay Port based on these considerations. Dausab stressed the need for all nations, particularly African countries, to take a firm stance against Israel and reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and condemning ongoing genocide against them. No information was provided about the ship’s origin. Following Germany’s support for Israel amid genocide charges at the ICJ, former Namibian President Hage Geingob criticized Germany on January 13, stating that Germany cannot morally commit to the UN Genocide Convention, recalling the genocide and forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of Namibians between 1904 and 1908.

As of Aug. 26, Africa CDC reported total of 22,863 mpox cases across 13 AU member states

 Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has received 10,000 doses of Mpox vaccine from the U.S. as part of the fight against the Mpox virus. The 10,000 doses of Jynneos vaccine, sent through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), were delivered to officials in the capital, Abuja. The delivery ceremony was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Abuja Richard Mills, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Daju Kachillom, and other guests. Ambassador Mills stated that the vaccines would support the Nigerian government’s response to the ongoing Mpox outbreak. Nigeria has reported 39 Mpox cases this year. To prevent the spread of the disease, the Nigerian government has prepared a health declaration form for international travelers. The African Union has declared a continent-wide public health emergency in response to the rapidly spreading Mpox virus in African countries. Mpox virus is transmitted from rodents such as rats and squirrels or from infected individuals. Key transmission methods include touching body lesions, using contaminated clothing or bedding, and contact with body fluids. Symptoms can appear 5 to 21 days after infection and include high fever, headaches, back and muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, chills, and a rash similar to chickenpox. There is no specific treatment for Mpox; antiviral medications are used, and most cases are mild, with recovery occurring within a few weeks. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) renamed “monkeypox” to “mpox” to address concerns about racism and discrimination.

Jean Kaseya, Director of the Africa CDC, stated that the Mpox outbreak is a global issue, not just Africa’s problem. In a press briefing, Kaseya reported on the developments related to Mpox, noting that as of August 26, there were 22,863 cases and 622 deaths in 13 African Union member countries. He emphasized that Mpox is a significant health concern both in Africa and globally. Kaseya added that efforts to combat the outbreak are ongoing, with Central Africa being the most affected region. Mpox virus is transmitted through contact with infected animals like rodents or from contaminated individuals. Key transmission methods include touching lesions, using contaminated clothing or bedding, and contact with body fluids. Symptoms can appear 5 to 21 days after infection and include high fever, headaches, back and muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, chills, and rash similar to chickenpox. There is no specific treatment for Mpox; antiviral medications are used, and most cases are mild, with recovery occurring within a few weeks. In 2022, the WHO renamed “monkeypox” to “mpox” to address concerns about racism and discrimination.

The 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa began on Monday, August 26, in Brazzaville, Congo. Over the next five days, nearly 1,000 delegates, including WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and health ministers from 47 member countries, will convene. A key topic is the global Mpox epidemic. WHO Regional Director for Africa emphasized the commitment to addressing Mpox differently from past responses and noted extensive support for member states to develop effective plans. The session will focus on several critical health issues, including: Africa has long dealt with high mortality from diseases like malaria, meningitis, and cholera. Joy Phumaphi, executive secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, highlighted the continent’s expertise in managing epidemics, including Mpox. The WHO recently declared a global emergency due to a new and more deadly strain of the Mpox virus. The Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of the crisis, is participating in the Brazzaville meeting. On August 26, the WHO launched a Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to tackle human-to-human Mpox transmission, requiring $135 million in funding through February 2025. Key international health organizations have pledged additional support to combat Mpox outbreaks in Africa. At least 14 African countries and health partners pledged over $45 million Tuesday toward the World Health Organization (WHO) Investment Round, a three-month-old initiative aimed at generating sustainable financing for the global health organization. The pledges were made during the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa taking place in the Republic of Congo. In a statement, the WHO said the funding will enable it to more effectively fulfill its mandate and advance key objectives to promote, provide and protect health and well-being for all. “I thank our African Region Member States for actively supporting WHO’s first Investment Round to mobilize predictable and flexible resources needed for our core work over the next four years,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Full, sustainable funding will enable WHO to support countries better in their work to build healthier, more resilient and more prosperous populations.” The countries included Botswana, Cabo Verde, Chad, Congo, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania and Gambia. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO regional director for Africa, noted that a strong, predictable and sustainably financed organization is essential for the region and the world to meet multiple health threats and support the prevention of disease based on vast evidence. “Every pledge and every partnership counts. Together, we can achieve a future where health and well-being are accessible to all,” she said. The WHO officials believe with a fully and sustainably funded operating budget over the next four years, the organization will be better positioned to tackle emergencies and outbreaks that threaten lives and jeopardize global health security. Meanwhile, delegates at the forum on Tuesday nominated Tanzania’s Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile as the next WHO regional director for Africa. He beat candidates from Niger, Senegal and Rwanda in closed voting. He is set to replace Moeti, whose second five-year term is nearing an end. Ndugulile’s nomination will be submitted for appointment by the 156th session of the WHO executive board which will take place in February 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.

1,941 injured, 205,338 displaced from their homes in nearly all states of Nigeria in 2 weeks of rain and flood, says national emergency, with downpours forecast to continue next month

Sudan is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak and widespread flooding, fueled by ongoing conflict.

The losses amount to billions of dollars and have had devastating consequences for the country’s economy.

The United States is urging Sudan’s warring parties to adopt a code of conduct to reduce violence and protect civilians amid the ongoing conflict.

In a high-profile trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo, prosecutors have called for the death penalty for 50 defendants, including three Americans, accused of participating in a failed coup attempt in May.

Here’s why Lake Malawi, nestled between Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania, is a global treasure

The World Health Organization recently declared mpox a global public health emergency after an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo spread to neighboring countries

While Farid’s tweets have garnered attention, many have criticized him for what they perceive as a detachment from the realities on the ground

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has announced his candidacy for the African Union chairmanship, aiming to make the AU more people-centered and impactful for ordinary Africans.

Activist is believed to have been extrajudicially returned from Gabon and tortured.

At least 100 villagers and soldiers were killed in central Burkina Faso during a weekend attack by al-Qaida-linked jihadis. The assault on Barsalogho, 80 kilometers from the capital, was described by regional experts as one of the deadliest of the year. The attackers, affiliated with the al-Qaida-linked JNIM group, targeted villagers who were helping security forces build defensive trenches. Al-Qaida claimed responsibility, stating they took control of a militia position in Barsalogho. Videos of the attack showed numerous bodies and the scene was reviewed by the Associated Press, though the exact casualty count could not be independently verified. Burkina Faso’s security minister reported that both soldiers and civilians were among the casualties, and the government has responded with increased support and protection efforts. The escalating violence has resulted in significant parts of Burkina Faso being outside government control, contributing to two coups in 2022. The junta, despite seeking new security partnerships, continues to struggle against the increasing jihadi attacks.

Germany will donate 100,000 mpox vaccine doses from its military reserves to help address the outbreak in Africa, a government spokesperson announced on Monday. The donation aims to provide immediate assistance to the affected countries. In addition, Germany will offer financial support to the World Health Organization (WHO) through various mechanisms to combat mpox and assist its African partners via the GAVI vaccine alliance, the spokesperson stated. Germany currently has about 117,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine, which were acquired in 2022 and are being stored by the military.

Denmark has announced that it will close its embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso as part of its new strategy for African engagement. The Foreign Ministry explained on Monday that the recent military coups in these countries have restricted “the scope for action in the Sahel region.” Instead, Denmark plans to establish new missions in Senegal, Tunisia, and Rwanda, and to expand its diplomatic presence in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana. Following the closures in Bamako and Ouagadougou, Denmark will appoint a special representative for the Great Lakes and Sahel region. Relations between Mali and Burkina Faso with the West have soured since Mali’s coup in 2020 and Burkina Faso’s in 2022. Both countries have since sought support from Russia and its Wagner mercenary group. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated that Denmark’s reorganization aligns with the European Union’s goal of becoming the continent’s “preferred partner.” He emphasized that the EU needs to offer a compelling alternative to the growing influence of China and Russia in Africa. Denmark’s revised strategy will emphasize increasing trade and development aid, particularly for water initiatives.

It has been reported that nine people died in a quarry collapse in Zambia. Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga stated that the collapse occurred at an informal quarry in Chongwe, about 50 kilometers east of the capital Lusaka. Hamoonga confirmed that nine people were killed in the collapse, with one person injured and rescued. An investigation into the incident has been launched. In December 2023, a collapse at an open copper mine in northern Zambia resulted in the deaths of approximately 30 miners.

In the village of N’Dounga Tarey, located about fifteen kilometers from Niamey, the impact of the heavy rains from a week ago is still evident. The village has seen its homes reduced to rubble, and resident Idrissa Issoufou Souley surveys the damage. “In N’Dounga Tarey, over 12 houses have collapsed due to the heavy rains. Although there were no casualties, we have suffered significant material damage to our homes, millet fields, and rice fields,” said Souley. The main road to Niamey has been severed, with two other roads completely submerged. This has isolated Niamey, cutting off not only internal connections but also essential supplies like fuel. “Since Sunday, all routes have been blocked, including supply routes, because the Niamey depot is on the Sorey plateau. At Sorey Ganda, the bridge was submerged and impassable. It is a situation of force majeure, but Sonidep has been actively working to supply the country,” explained Maazou Aboubacar Oumani, Commercial Director of SONIDEP. There have been long queues at the few gas stations still with fuel, and people are struggling to fill their tanks. Fuel has been unavailable for four days. “Since 1 p.m., I haven’t been able to get any fuel and have had to park my vehicle. We urge the government to find a solution for fuel supply. We are enduring hardships,” said taxi driver Chamsou Moussa Oumarou. Authorities recently managed to restore this route to enable resupply to the capital. “This restoration is a relief for the people of Kollo and Niamey. Traffic was halted for over a week, and we faced significant difficulties. There was no passage between Niamey and Kollo due to the heavy rains,” noted Aissatou Harouna Faran Maiga, the mayor of Kollo. Since June, floods in Niger have resulted in nearly 200 deaths and substantial material damage. The heavy rains have also led to shortages of various goods due to deteriorated roads.