Police say Rebecca Cheptegei, who recently competed at Paris Olympics, was doused with petrol and set ablaze on Sunday during dispute with her partner Dickson Ndiema Marangach

The junta has been accused of human rights abuses and has faced international condemnation.

Daniel Mthimkhulu, once the chief engineer at South Africa’s state-owned Passenger Rail Agency (Prasa), has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for fabricating his qualifications. Mthimkhulu, who joined Prasa in 2000, quickly climbed the ranks to head its engineering department, earning an annual salary of about 2.8 million rand ($156,000; £119,000). Mthimkhulu, 49, falsely claimed to hold several mechanical engineering degrees, including a qualification from South Africa’s prestigious University of the Witwatersrand and a doctorate from a German university. However, a Johannesburg court heard that he had only completed high school. “The sentence sends a strong message that the perpetrators of white-collar crime will not go unpunished,” said Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Mthimkhulu’s deceit came to light in 2015, leading to his arrest. His fabricated qualifications and forged job offer from a German company enabled him to secure a pay rise at Prasa. He also played a key role in a 600 million rand deal to purchase new trains from Spain, which turned out to be unusable in South Africa because they were too tall. “The court took into account the seriousness of the fraud, the significant financial loss to Prasa, and Mthimkhulu’s betrayal of his employer’s trust,” Mjonondwane added. In a 2019 interview with eNCA, Mthimkhulu admitted he did not have a PhD, saying, “I failed to correct the perception that I have it. I just became comfortable with the title.” South Africa’s elite police unit, the Hawks, which was involved in the investigation, hailed the sentence. Lt-Gen Seswantsho Godfrey Lebeya, head of the Hawks, said, “This should serve as a lesson to would-be fraudsters that crime doesn’t pay.” The case is part of broader efforts to tackle corruption in South Africa, with some linking it to the widespread “state capture” corruption during Jacob Zuma’s presidency (2009-2018). The news sparked reactions on social media, with many emphasizing the need for stricter qualification verification processes. Mthimkhulu is reportedly planning to appeal the sentence.

The National Theatre in Lagos, stands as a symbol of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage

The Mpox outbreak continues to ravage eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with patients at a Kamituga clinic anxiously awaiting vaccines. The country is set to receive its first shipment of Mpox vaccine doses on Thursday, followed by another on Saturday, according to officials. The situation is dire, with harrowing images of patients suffering from painful lesions. Richard Songa, a patient at Alima hospital, described his critical condition upon arrival and his hope for recovery with the new vaccines. “This disease is very dangerous and risks killing people,” he said, emphasizing the importance of vaccination. Dr. Fiston Nepa from Alima clinic noted that most patients are adults due to the more transmissible clade 1b, which spreads primarily through sexual contact. The first batch of vaccines is expected to arrive in Kinshasa, but the eastern Congo hotspot is still waiting. The World Health Organization declared a global emergency on August 14, with over 18,000 suspected cases and 629 deaths reported in Congo. Mpox, related to Smallpox, often presents with milder symptoms but can cause severe sores and blisters. The virus spreads through close skin-to-skin contact. The WHO plans to distribute around 230,000 vaccines soon and is launching educational campaigns to curb the outbreak.

Nigerians are grappling with a severe fuel crisis, marked by chronic shortages and soaring petrol prices. Despite being a major oil producer, Nigeria depends on imported petroleum due to inadequate refining capacity. The state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) offers the lowest fuel prices, but when NNPC raises its rates, private stations follow suit. Currently, petrol prices range from $0.56 per liter at NNPC stations to $0.74 or more at independent garages. With many households and vehicles relying on petrol and diesel for power due to unreliable electricity, the ongoing fuel shortages are worsening the cost-of-living crisis. This situation follows government reforms aimed at ending fuel subsidies and floating the currency, which have already led to a significant rise in inflation.

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A boat carrying 32 migrants capsized off the Libyan coast Tuesday, leaving one dead and 22 missing, according to Libyan authorities. The coast guard in Tobruk rescued nine survivors who were taken to a local port and hospital. The boat, which departed from Bab al-Zaitoun near Tobruk, sank after its engine failed, as reported by local aid group Abreen. The migrants were from Egypt and Syria. Libya, a major transit point for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty, has seen repeated maritime tragedies. In December, 61 migrants drowned near Zuwara. The ongoing chaos in Libya, exacerbated by the 2011 NATO-backed uprising, has enabled human traffickers to exploit migrants, leading to numerous deaths and disappearances. The International Organization for Migration reported 434 deaths and 611 missing migrants off Libya in the past eight months, with over 14,100 intercepted and returned. Those returned face harsh conditions in detention centers, including forced labor and abuse.

The iconic building, dating back to the 19th century, was completely destroyed by the torrential rains.

Malawi is facing a severe power crisis that has disrupted the delivery of health services in public hospitals.

Kenya’s Maasai pastoralists, known for their reliance on cattle, are turning to fish farming as a means of survival amidst a devastating drought.

Guinea has confirmed its first case of mpox, joining other countries in the region experiencing outbreaks of the virus.

‘We are calling on the government to address this as soon as possible otherwise it is going to lead to loss of lives,’ head of consumer body tells Anadolu

The RSF, supported by various regional and global actors, has consistently demonstrated a willingness to engage in negotiations

A brutal attack by suspected Boko Haram militants in northeastern Nigeria left at least 100 villagers dead.

Chidimma Adetshina, crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, has announced her intention to seek therapy following a wave of xenophobic abuse and a government investigation into her nationality

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), responsible for importing and distributing fuel, has attributed the shortages to its mounting debts and rising global oil prices

Indonesia seeks to strengthen its ties with Africa but faces setbacks as many African countries choose to attend a separate forum in China.

President Sisi’s visit follows Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s trip to Cairo in February, which was his first since 2012

The companies will collaborate on localizing the drug’s production in Egypt.

Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria is a striking 15th-century fortress

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on African leaders to unite the “Global South” in advocating for international equity and justice amid major global changes. In meetings with African leaders attending the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, Xi stressed the importance of solidarity among developing nations. Xi highlighted new partnerships, including a “Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Partnership” with South Africa and proposed three types of collaboration with Kenya: mutual trust, win-win cooperation, and strategic alignment on international and regional issues. With Comoros, Xi emphasized cooperation as a model of equality and solidarity, offering support to combat poverty and utilize the country’s geographical advantages. He also invited Seychelles to join the China-Indian Ocean Development Cooperation Forum and urged faster sustainable use of marine resources. Regarding Eritrea, Xi proposed enhanced cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and agriculture, noting shared views on international matters. In discussions with Guinea, Xi highlighted FOCAC’s role in boosting practical cooperation and supporting Guinea’s development. With Chad, Xi supported the country’s sovereignty and security, while Chad reaffirmed its adherence to the “One China” policy. In his meeting with Malawi, Xi discussed leveraging opportunities from China’s modernization and increasing cooperation in various fields. Xi reiterated Africa’s crucial role as a global power and China’s diplomatic focus, advocating for a multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization. The FOCAC’s ninth summit will take place in Beijing from September 4-6, with leaders from over 50 countries attending. Eswatini will not participate due to its diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

Between 2021 and 2023, 1,425 international students were denied entry to the UK at airports. Among them were 161 Nigerians, as revealed by UK Home Office data obtained via the Freedom of Information Act. Indian students were the most affected, representing 45% of those turned away, with 644 removals. Nigerians made up 11.3%, while students from Ghana and Bangladesh accounted for 6.46% and 6.32%, respectively. The data, covering October 2021 to October 2023, only reflects students refused entry at the border and does not include those deported for visa violations. The Home Office did not provide specific reasons for these removals, but sources indicate issues such as failing to convince Border Force officers, presenting forged documents, or language barriers. Immigration lawyer Dele Olawanle criticized the practice, arguing that Border Force officers have overstepped by questioning students about their academic courses, which sometimes leads to visa cancellations. Data analyst Nelly Okechukwu recounted a similar experience, where he was questioned about his studies despite having graduated years earlier.

Voter apathy and economic concerns overshadow Algeria’s presidential election, with incumbent President Tebboune set to win a second term amid widespread disinterest.