With over 1.4 million people—about half the population—registered to vote, 15 political parties are competing for the presidency and seats in Namibia’s National Assembly
Namibians vote in presidential, parliamentary elections Read More »
The island’s fertile soils and warm, humid climate create ideal conditions for clove cultivation
Zanzibar: The world’s “spice island” Read More »
In Nigeria’s Delta State, five people were killed and 20 others went missing after two boats collided and sank. Delta State Police spokesperson Bright Edafe confirmed that the incident occurred in the Warri South area on a river, where two boats carrying passengers returning from a funeral crashed. Search and rescue operations have recovered five bodies, Edafe said, adding that six others were injured in the collision. Efforts to find the missing passengers are ongoing, and authorities expressed concern that the death toll could rise. Boat accidents are common during Nigeria’s rainy season, particularly on rivers and lakes. Just over a month ago, on October 30, 18 people died when a passenger boat capsized in Taraba State.
Five dead, 20 missing in Nigeria boat collision Read More »
Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa hosted creditors and finance executives on Monday to discuss plans for clearing the country’s $12.7 billion external debt and restructuring arrears. With the nation’s debt representing 81% of its GDP, the task is daunting for a country with a history of financial crises, including hyperinflation and failed currency reforms. Mnangagwa revealed that Zimbabwe is negotiating a Staff Monitored Program (SMP) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which would pave the way for key policy reforms. African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina expressed the AfDB’s readiness to provide financial support for these reforms and help clear arrears. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said timelines for debt restructuring would be clearer by mid-2025, once Zimbabwe secures bridge financing from lenders. Analysts warn that addressing arrears is crucial for the country’s economic recovery, as Zimbabwe currently cannot access funds from the IMF due to its debt situation. Clearing arrears with major creditors, including the AfDB, World Bank, and European Investment Bank, is key to unlocking future funding. The IMF has been unable to provide financial support due to Zimbabwe’s unsustainable debt. While the SMP would not include financial aid from the IMF, it would signal a return to sound economic policies. Zimbabwe’s debt situation remains complex, with a significant portion of the debt in arrears and penalties, limiting access to international financial assistance.
Zimbabwe discusses $12.7 billion debt restructuring Read More »
In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, the malaria outbreak is reported to cause an annual economic loss of $1 billion. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare Coordination, spoke at a meeting titled “Malaria Elimination Consultancy in Nigeria” in the capital, Abuja. Minister Pate emphasized that malaria is not only a health crisis but also an urgent issue that requires immediate solutions for the country’s economy and development. He stated that malaria causes an annual economic loss of $1 billion in Nigeria and reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating the disease. Highlighting the severe impact of malaria in Nigeria, Pate noted, “27% of global malaria cases and 31% of global malaria deaths occur in Nigeria. Our country bears the heaviest burden of this disease.” Pate also pointed out that in 2022, more than 180,000 children under the age of five died from malaria in Nigeria, stressing that this tragedy is preventable.
Malaria costs Nigeria’s economy $1 billion annually Read More »
WHO Declares Mpox Outbreak Ongoing Public Health Emergency The World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated that the mpox outbreak remains a public health emergency of international concern, citing the rising number of cases, continued geographic spread, and operational challenges in managing the crisis. The WHO’s emergency committee issued this assessment on November 22, extending the emergency declaration first made in August. Africa has been the hardest-hit region, with 19 countries reporting mpox cases since the start of the year. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to be the epicenter of the outbreak. Canada has also confirmed its first case of Clade I mpox, linked to travel associated with the ongoing outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa. To combat the spread, over 50,000 people have been vaccinated in high-risk areas, with plans to expand the vaccination program to the capital, Kinshasa, next week. Last week, the WHO approved a second mpox vaccine for emergency use, following a review of its safety, quality, and efficacy. As of now, Africa has reported over 46,000 suspected mpox cases and 1,081 deaths in the current outbreak.
WHO declares Mpox outbreak ongoing public health emergency Read More »
Niger Requests EU Ambassador’s Replacement Amid Aid Dispute Niger’s government has formally requested the European Union to replace its ambassador, Salvador Pinto da Franca, amid tensions over the distribution of emergency aid. The EU recalled da Franca on Saturday after Niger’s military rulers accused him of allocating €1.3 million in flood relief to NGOs without prior approval. The EU rejected these allegations, expressing “profound disagreement.” On Sunday, Niger’s foreign ministry accused da Franca of continuing “unauthorized operations” despite previous warnings issued in October. The ministry declared that cooperation with the ambassador had become untenable and called for his replacement “as soon as possible.” Since June, flooding in Niger has killed more than 300 people and displaced over 1.1 million. The government stated that it had not requested EU aid and would address the damage with its own resources. Tensions between Niger and the EU have escalated since the July 2023 military coup, with the country distancing itself from both France and the European bloc.
Niger demands EU ambassador’s replacement over aid dispute Read More »
Nigeria has firmly established itself as the global leader in yam production, cultivating over 60% of the world’s supply
Nigeria: The world’s yam powerhouse Read More »
A DHL cargo plane crashed into a two-story residential building near Vilnius Airport in Lithuania early Monday, killing one crew member and injuring two others, according to local authorities and public service broadcaster LRT. The crash occurred at 5.31 am (GMT0731), triggering a large fire. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and extinguished the blaze. Residents of the building escaped unharmed, while the pilot also survived the crash without injury. However, the other three crew members aboard the plane were less fortunate. “Two have been taken to hospital, and one has been declared dead. These are the people who were on the plane, according to preliminary information,” Saulius Raševskis from the Lithuanian rescue service told LRT. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. It marks another troubling incident for DHL, which has faced operational disruptions this year. In July, explosive devices at DHL logistics hubs in Germany and the UK sparked international investigations. The devices were believed to be part of a covert Russian operation targeting cargo and passenger flights destined for the US and Canada, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
Cargo plane crashes into Lithuanian home, killing one and injuring two Read More »
Israeli media reported Monday that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah is likely to be announced within two days. According to public broadcaster KAN, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to a US-backed ceasefire deal with Lebanon, giving US envoy Amos Hochstein the greenlight to move forward with negotiations. Sources indicated that the terms of the deal have been finalized, and Netanyahu is now focused on how to present the agreement to the public. The ongoing talks are centered on ensuring Israel’s freedom to operate along its borders with Lebanon and Syria after the ceasefire is in place. KAN also reported that the US has provided assurances to Israel, allowing military action if Hezbollah violates the ceasefire terms. However, there has been no official comment from Hezbollah or Lebanese authorities. Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, said last week that the group had submitted its feedback on the US proposal and emphasized that the outcome now depends on Netanyahu’s commitment to reaching an agreement. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified in recent months, with Israeli airstrikes targeting alleged Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Since the escalation began in October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed over 3,600 people in Lebanon, injured more than 15,300, and displaced over a million. The situation further escalated in October 2024 when Israel launched a ground assault into southern Lebanon. non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Israel and Hezbollah set to announce ceasefire agreement Read More »
