Eleven months after coming to power in a coup, there are increasing calls for Gabon’s transitional President Brice Oligui Nguema to run for office. Oligui Nguema was sworn in last September, shortly after ousting President Ali Bongo, who had ruled for over 50 years. According to Radio France International, Deputy Prime Minister Alexandre Barro Chambrier announced on Saturday that he will not be a candidate. He stated that his party, the Rally for the Homeland and Modernity (RPM), would support Oligui Nguema if he decides to run in the August 2025 presidential elections. While the transition charter allows Oligui Nguema to run, it does not permit other leaders to do so. Although his actions suggest he may run, the president has yet to officially declare his candidacy.

The decision comes amid ongoing disciplinary actions and could terminate his membership if not appealed.

Rescue efforts are underway as authorities search for survivors among the 26 passengers on board.

Libya’s National Oil Corporation has categorically denied reports of negotiations to supply crude oil to Nigeria’s Dangote refinery.

Congolese and Ugandan troops rescued 23 women and minors who were abducted by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, during a joint military operation in eastern Congo, according to the military. The rescue followed fighting with the rebels near the Malibongo River in northern Tokomeka in the eastern province of Ituri, Bilal Katamba, spokesperson for Uganda’s military Mountain Division, said in a statement. The abductees were taken to the Uganda army’s tactical headquarters in Luna, Ituri Province, he said. Among the minors were three infants under the age of 1, who are severely malnourished. “A joint medical team is providing emergency care to save their lives. The mothers are also receiving basic medical treatment in the field,” said Katamba. Congolese and Ugandan forces launched a joint military offensive in 2021 to flush out the ADF, which was founded in the 1990s by several opposition movements in Uganda to topple the government of President Yoweri Museveni. The group pledged allegiance to the Daesh/ISIS terror group in 2019.

Africa is home to a vibrant array of traditional sports and games, each reflecting the diverse cultures

In an armed attack on an entertainment venue in South Africa’s North West province, 8 people have been killed. Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, North West Province Police Spokesperson, reported that 8 individuals, including one woman, were killed in the attack on the drinking establishment near the town of Orkney. Mokgwabone explained that the attackers, who were looking for members of the local Basotho community, fired randomly at the venue. Seven victims died at the scene, while one succumbed to injuries at the hospital. The attackers stole money from the venue’s cash register, as well as the security camera system and a pool table. Mokgwabone also noted that they took customers’ cell phones before fleeing. He called for witnesses to assist in identifying and locating the suspects, whose identities and numbers remain unknown.

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan deepens as heavy rains and floods kill 12 people, damage homes, and flood displacement camp.

A popular Congolese gospel singer’s concert turned into a tragedy as a stampede killed seven people and injured countless others at the 80,000-capacity Stade des Martyrs stadium.

In a joint operation, Congolese and Ugandan troops engaged ADF rebels near the Malibongo River, leading to the rescue of 23 abductees, including 13 minors.

The Turkish military has been supporting Somalia for over a decade, and the new mandate aims to further strengthen security cooperation and capacity building.

South African authorities arrested 95 Libyans at a camp suspected of conducting illegal military-style training and are preparing to deport them.

Ugandan police arrested over 100 people during anti-corruption protests, sparking international condemnation.

Sudan is on the brink of famine, with general Burhan-controlled SAF blocking the UN from delivering food through a crucial border crossing, a report revealed. This has cut off aid to hundreds of thousands during a severe civil war. Experts fear a catastrophic famine unless immediate action is taken. After 15 months of conflict, Sudan is nearing one of the worst famines in decades. Burhan-controlled SAF’s blockade prevents essential UN aid, risking up to 2.5 million deaths by year’s end. Darfur, particularly, is at high risk, with eight of 14 famine-threatened districts. The closed Adré border crossing from Chad to Sudan is critical for aid delivery. Despite the flow of refugees and goods, UN food trucks are banned, leaving 440,000 people in Darfur on the edge of starvation. Refugees cite hunger as their primary reason for fleeing. Burhan forces claim the blockade prevents weapon smuggling, yet arms and rival forces still cross the border. Though the rival army, Rapid Support Forces, controls the Sudanese side of Adré and the UN respects the army’s edict. However, this forces aid trucks on a perilous, lengthy detour to Tine. The detour, dangerous and inefficient, is significantly delaying aid. Since February, only a fraction of the needed aid has reached Darfur, with seasonal rains further complicating delivery. The US, the largest donor, deems the blockade unacceptable, stressing the urgent need to lift it to prevent mass starvation.

The Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania are renowned worldwide for their distinctive customs

Abiy Ahmed, accompanied by his wife and other leaders, visited Kencho Shacha Gozdi, a village devastated by a landslide that claimed over 250 lives.

 Nearly 200 UNRWA workers have been killed in Gaza since the start of Israel’s ongoing offensive on Oct. 7, 2023, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees said on Saturday. “When the war in Gaza started nearly 10 months ago, no one thought we will reach this grim milestone. Nearly 200 UNRWA team members have been killed in Gaza,” Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement on X. “These are not numbers, these are our colleagues and our friends,” said Lazzarini, noting that “this is by far the largest loss of personnel killed in a single conflict or natural disaster since the creation of the United Nations – a reality the world must never accept.” Lazzarini reiterated “the call of the UN Secretary General for a full accountability for each and every one of these deaths.” Israel has continued its brutal offensive on Gaza since an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. More than 39,000 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children. Vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine. Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.

A year ago, Mohamed Bazoum was ousted in a military coup led by General Tiani, who seized control of Niger with army backing. Since then, the military has entrenched its authority by curbing freedoms, suspending political parties, and silencing dissent. There is no set timeline for restoring civilian rule, and Niger has distanced itself from Western allies while aligning more closely with Russia. Bazoum and his wife, Hadiza, have been under detention at the presidential residence since October, cut off from the outside world except for regular visits from his doctor. He has no phone and is under constant guard, with his doctor bringing him food and books. Despite these harsh conditions, Bazoum remains resolute in refusing to resign. A former philosophy professor, he finds solace in reading extensively, from classic authors like Shakespeare and Tolstoy to contemporary figures like Romain Gary. He also reads political texts, including Dominique Moïsi’s “The Triumph of Emotions.” Even after a bout of malaria weakened him in the spring, Bazoum remains determined. He refuses to step down, despite the recent lifting of his presidential immunity, which could lead to a trial.

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi has criticized Kenyan President William Ruto for mishandling the Nairobi Process, which was intended to facilitate dialogue with armed groups in eastern DRC. Tshisekedi accused Ruto of aligning with Rwanda, which he believes has stalled the initiative. The Nairobi Process, originally launched by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, aimed to support disarmament and demobilization. Despite several meeting cycles, progress has stalled since the third round in December 2023. Tshisekedi’s criticism highlights the growing tensions between the DRC and Kenya. Kinshasa has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the East African Community (EAC) force’s handling of the M23 rebellion, accusing it of inadequate action. The situation worsened when Nairobi announced the formation of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), a political-military group associated with the M23. Kenya’s refusal to arrest AFC leader Corneille Nangaa led the DRC to recall its ambassadors to Kenya and the EAC for consultations.

Bssais was arrested and charged with attacking President Kais Saied under a decree used to crack down on critics.

A UN report highlights severe food insecurity affecting millions in Sudan and South Sudan due to crises and conflicts.

This initiative is part of a larger effort to strengthen peacebuilding systems in Sudan.

Efforts continue to contain blaze near city of Taza amid heatwave for three consecutive days

Tanzania’s lush landscapes and sprawling savannahs have always been a haven for birds, they are increasingly being encroached upon, pushing many bird species to the brink of extinction