Senegal politicians end tense campaign ahead of vote

Senegal is heading into crucial legislative elections after a tense campaign, with President Faye’s party hoping to gain a majority and carry out key reforms.

ATMIS hands over military bases to Somali national army

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has officially concluded its peacekeeping mission, handing over 21 military bases to the Somali National Army.

French student detained in Tunisia released

A 27-year-old French Ph.D. student was arrested in Tunisia and detained for several weeks.

South Africa urges immediate Gaza ceasefire, foreign minister says in Egypt

Ronald Lamola holds political consultations with Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty

Families wait for trapped miners at South African mine

Police have blocked supplies of food and water to force the miners out for arrest, as they seek leftover gold—a longstanding issue in South Africa

Mozambique halts protests amid post-election violence

Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda justified the ban as essential for maintaining public order

Mali’s green warriors battle deforestation

Environmental activists and the Great Green Wall initiative are working to restore forests and combat desertification.

Living with 11 hours of sunshine: Africa’s brightest regions

The sun continues to shine brightly across some regions, reminding residents to grab their sunglasses

RSF condemns harsh sentence for Burundian journalist

Reporters Without Borders has condemned the harsh sentence and called for her immediate release.  

Senegal prepares for elections amid fiscal crisis and unrest

The outcome could shape the country’s economic future and stability as voters choose new leaders for a 165-seat assembly.

Africa’s weather forecast gap puts millions at risk

The broken weather stations and outdated equipment in many African countries are contributing to inaccurate forecasts and inadequate disaster preparedness.

Malian junta holds resolute CEO and two others

The Australian gold miner Resolute is facing significant challenges in Mali, with its CEO and two other employees held captive by the military junta over tax disputes.

TikToker jailed for insulting Ugandan president

A Ugandan court has convicted a 21-year-old TikToker for insulting President Yoweri Museveni, highlighting the government’s increasing crackdown on online dissent.

Gabon’s Loango National Park: A rare coastal safari

At Gabon’s Loango National Park you can see elephants, hippos enjoying the Atlantic coastline

Morocco’s mpox test gets Africa CDC approval

Morocco’s homegrown mpox test has been endorsed by the Africa CDC, a major milestone in strengthening Africa’s public health response.

Rwanda declares end to Marburg virus outbreak

Rwanda has successfully contained the Marburg virus outbreak, with no new cases reported in the past two weeks.

South African police standoff with illegal miners in abandoned shaft

The confrontation comes after weeks of police operations aimed at emptying the abandoned gold mine in North West province as part of a broader crackdown on illegal mining

Ethiopia reports 7.3M malaria cases, 1,157 deaths in 9 months

World Health Organization says malaria poses significant public health challenge in Ethiopia

DR Congo cancels peace festival Amidst rising violence

Amani Festival, a celebration of music and peace, has fallen victim to the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, forcing organizers to postpone the event.

Gabon votes on junta-backed constitution despite opposition

A referendum on Gabon’s new constitution backed by the junta is drawing significant support, but critics question the transparency and the potential impact on future generations.

Egypt’s top diplomat, UN envoy discuss Sudan cease-fire efforts

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held talks in Cairo on Thursday with UN envoy for Sudan Ramtane Lamamra to discuss cease-fire efforts in the war-torn country. Discussions between the two sides dwelt on the Sudanese crisis and ways to solve the conflict there, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “Egypt is keen on preserving Sudan’s interests and maintaining its territorial integrity,” Abdelatty said. He said Cairo is engaged in regional and international efforts “to reach a cease-fire and settlement in Sudan to end the suffering of the Sudanese people,” according to the statement. The top diplomat voiced concern over the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Sudan, reiterating Egypt’s commitment to “safeguarding Sudan’s interests, sovereignty and territorial integrity.” At least 12,260 people have been killed and more than 33,000 injured in the conflict that started in April 2023, according to UN figures. The UN has repeatedly warned that Sudan is facing the world’s worst displacement crisis, as the war shows no signs of ending and the threat of famine looms.

Somaliland holds presidential election

Election workers in Somaliland are counting ballots following Wednesday’s presidential election, the fourth since the region declared independence from Somalia three decades ago. The Somaliland Election Commission reported that the voting process went smoothly without incident. Incumbent President Muse Bihi is seeking a second term, facing challenges from opposition leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the Waddani Party and Faisal Ali Warabe of the UCID party. Preliminary results are expected by late Friday, with final tallies to be announced in about a week. The election has been overshadowed by a controversial deal granting Ethiopia access to 20 kilometers of the Gulf of Aden coastline in exchange for recognition. Somalia has condemned the agreement, calling it a violation of its sovereignty, and has sought support from Egypt and Eritrea to counter Ethiopia’s influence. Despite more than 30 years of de facto independence, Somaliland remains unrecognized by any country. Its leaders hope this election will bring the region closer to international recognition.

Zimbabwe farmers turn to climate-smart agriculture

In Zimbabwe’s arid regions, farmers like Gertrude Siduna and Muchaneta Mutowa are turning to climate-smart agriculture to cope with harsh environmental conditions. Thanks to training funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), they’ve learned to adapt by cultivating crops and using technologies suited to the country’s changing climate. Gertrude Siduna, a 49-year-old farmer from Chipinge district, has shifted from growing corn to cultivating chilies. This change has significantly improved her livelihood. “I just pick the chilies from the fields and take them to the nearby Cargill processing center,” she says. “It’s simple, and the income is steady—about $400 in my first year of harvest.” This income has provided financial stability in an area where droughts often threaten traditional crops like corn. Muchaneta Mutowa, another beneficiary of climate-smart initiatives, has gained access to solar-powered water technology, which provides reliable water for her village. “Before, we had to fetch water from distant riverbeds,” she explains. “Now, with solar technology, we have water flowing from taps—it’s a game changer.” In Chiredzi, farmer Kenias Chikamhi also recognizes that growing traditional corn has become increasingly unreliable due to recurring droughts. He now sees crops like millet, which are more drought-resistant, as a viable alternative.

Johannesburg’s Wits Planetarium reopens with new digital dome

The largest planetarium in sub-Saharan Africa is set to reopen in Johannesburg early next year, featuring a fully upgraded digital dome that will offer stunning visuals of the solar system. On Wednesday, visitors got a preview of the newly renamed Wits Anglo American Digital Dome at Wits University, where demonstrations showcased the immersive experience. The dome is equipped with 10 state-of-the-art digital projectors and surround sound to bring the cosmos to life. Moumita Aich, head of the dome, said the new technology will transform learning for both children and adults, who are often absorbed in their cellphones. “This is screen time, but you’ll actually learn a lot in 20 or 30 minutes,” Aich explained. Since its opening in 1960, the planetarium has attracted tens of thousands of school children and aspiring astronomers, offering them a chance to explore the wonders of the solar system. With the renovation, the planetarium aims to inspire even more people to engage with the science of the universe, while also providing a research space for scientists to showcase their discoveries on the 360-degree screen.

Somali tea: A tradition steeped in warmth and hospitality

In Somali culture, few things are as cherished as a warm cup of “shaah”

SAFA President Danny Jordaan arrested on fraud charges

The arrest follows an investigation by South Africa’s Hawks, the organised crime unit, into fraud and theft at Safa between 2014 and 2018, totaling 1.3 million rand ($72,000, £57,000)

Ugandan archbishop blames Welby for Anglican split

Welby, who had worked to prevent division within the communion, faced calls for his resignation after a report revealed inadequate action against John Smyth, a serial abuser

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