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News and information from the fast-changing continent.
Africa: Black Panther, Wakanda Forever and the Problem With Hollywood - an African Perspective
[The Conversation Africa] Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever were global hits that played out in an imaginary African kingdom and feature a universe of black creative talent. What's not to love about the franchise? Quite a lot, reckons cultural and literary studies scholar Jeanne-Marie Viljoen. We asked her to explain.
What are Black Panther's limitations when it comes to diversity?
Even though the Black Panther films didn't represent Africans on their own complex terms, they're still a major cultural phenomenon. They
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Sudan: High-Stakes Sudan Peace Talks Postponed for 'Technical Reasons'
[VOA] Amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the highly anticipated face-to-face meeting between the top commanders of the warring Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces was postponed for "technical reasons," Djibouti's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday.
Facilitated by the East African regional body, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, the meeting was scheduled to take place Thursday in Djibouti.
The meeting would have marked the first known direct encounter
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Nigeria: Akeredolu - Exit of a Man Who Came, Fought and Conquered
[Premium Times] Aketi was a dogged fighter and would not be intimidated by any political figure if his convictions were challenged.
Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Aketi), passed away in the early hours of Wednesday in a German hospital after several months of battle with leukemia and prostrate cancer.
His death came at a time when hope rose for an improved medical situation.
Mr Akeredolu, 67, was born on 21 July, 1957 in Owo to J. Ola Akeredolu of the Akeredolu family in Owo and Grace Akeredolu of
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South Africa: Renowned South African Artist Mbongeni Ngema Passes Away in Tragic Accident
[allAfrica] South Africa mourns the loss of cultural icon Mbongeni Ngema, who passed away tragically on Wednesday evening at the age of 68.
Ngema, a multifaceted artist who excelled as a musician, composer, choreographer, and playwright, died in a head-on collision while returning from a funeral in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape.
Ngema's artistic legacy is undeniable. He wrote and directed the iconic musical "Sarafina!", a powerful portrayal of the Soweto uprising and the struggles of young black students during apartheid.
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Congo-Kinshasa: At Least 13 Wounded As DRC Police Break Up Banned Election Protest
[RFI] At least 13 people were injured in Kinshasa on Wednesday after riot police fired tear gas in clashes with demonstrators protesting against last week's presidential elections in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Despite a government ban, supporters from several opposition groups gathered in the city to press their claims for a rerun of the presidential and legislative polls.
They say the election was fraudulent and should be annulled. President Felix Tshisekedi's administration has dismissed the demands.
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Africa: Dangote's World Class Refinery and Nigeria's Carbon Footprint
[allAfrica] Following the delivery of two million barrels of crude oil as part of the requirements for its takeoff, the Dangote refinery will steam to an historic start in early 2024.
The gigantic petrochemical project, which sits on a 6,180 acre land at the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, has gulped roughly $20 billion in the seven years of its construction.
At full production, the world's largest single train refinery will process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day which correspond to
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Nigeria: Lagos Waste Authority Sparks Anger With 2024 Price Hike
[Vanguard] Amidst economic hardship and frustration by citizens, the Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has announced the increase in the cost of waste evacuation of refuse effective January 2024.
The approved new tariff sent to customers by a LAWMA agent, Doset Will Investment Limited, reveals that residents of Lagos will now pay double the formal rate.
The notice titled, 'Re-waste Tariff Review Notification' reads, "Over the period of time, we have struggled to manage the cost of waste
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Ethiopia: From Spotlight to the Shadows: Ethiopia's Tourism Odyssey Hangs in the Balance
[Addis Standard] In the heart of East Africa, Ethiopia unfurls a mosaic of marvels recently thrust into the limelight by UNESCO's accolades, signaling a tourism renaissance. From the towering majesty of the Bale Mountains to the serene retreats of Lepis Eco Tourism Village, the nation's canvas is rich with the strokes of history and the vibrant hues of cultural festivities like Shawwal Eid.
Ethiopia is gradually placing its bets on the allure of its rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking landscapes, especially after Prime
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Kenya: Thugs Break Into Hospital, Steal Oxygen Cylinders Worth Sh270,000
[Capital FM] Police in Siaya are investigating an incident where unknown thugs broke into a store at Siaya county referral hospital and stole oxygen cylinders worth over Sh270,000.
Siaya county police commander, Cleti Kimaiyo said the theft was discovered on Christmas day at around 6.00 am.
He said that the hospital's head of maintenance, Joseph Odunga reported to the police that security guards who were changing shifts discovered that nine cylinders were missing in the process of handing over.
The police boss said
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Chad's President Pledges Respect of Referendum That Paves Way to Civilian Rule
[VOA] Chad's Supreme Court will on Thursday declare definitive results of the country's constitutional referendum that paves the way for a return to civilian rule.
Chad's military leader said he will respect the verdict, which is likely not going to be different from provisional results published on Sunday indicating the central African state's new constitution was approved by 86% of voters.
Some opposition leaders challenge the figures, saying the constitution approved in a referendum does not guarantee that
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Zimbabwe: Hit and Run Traffic Accidents on the Rise
[The Herald] The rising number of hit and run traffic accidents has become a cause for concern for the police as a 41-year-old man was killed by a vehicle at the 53km peg along the Rusape-Nyanga road on Christmas eve, while a Mabvuku man escaped another road mishap with a fractured elbow and deep cut on the cheek.
Neither driver stopped to render assistance.
In a statement, police national spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said law enforcement agents were concerned at the growing number of recorded road
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Kenya: Oil Ship Damaged in Explosion During Repairs in Mombasa
[Capital FM] Experts and police are investigating an explosion that occurred inside an oil ship docked near the African Marine Terminal in Liwatoni, Likoni.
According to officials, the incident took place at the Southern Engineering Company, Mombasa during repairs mission on Tuesday afternoon, officials said.
The loud bang, which sent shockwaves to buildings kilometres away, caused a fire that damaged parts of the vessel, christened East Wind II.
Tugs and fire engines from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) rushed to
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Nigeria: 2023 Recap - HPV Vaccine Integration, Diphtheria Battle, Other Major Health Sector Events
[Premium Times] In this report, PREMIUM TIMES analyses a year in healthcare - acknowledging the difficulties faced, highlighting successes achieved, and pointing out the path ahead for a healthier future.
As we bid farewell to 2023, the healthcare journey has been one of highs and lows. From unexpected outbreaks like diphtheria to the impact of already existing brain drain in the sector, the year was peppered with moments that tested Nigeria's health systems.
In 2023, the battle against diseases like cholera, and Lassa
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Rwanda: Top Five Court Cases That Stood Out in 2023
[New Times] The year 2023 witnessed several court trials that captured public attention, revolving around significant issues like crime or the need to amend laws which were argued to be "unconstitutional."
For instance, many people followed with serious attention the case of Denis Kazungu, a man who allegedly murdered a dozen people. However, there are many major court cases that came up in 2023, and in this article, The New Times presents some of them.
Kazungu on trial for alleged murder of a dozen people
In a story
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Congo-Kinshasa: Govt Bans Protest Against Election
[DW] A chaotic election has fueled unrest in the east African country, with five opposition candidates calling for protests. Partial results put incumbent President Tshisekedi in the lead.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo banned protests called for by five opposition candidates against the outcome of the last week's presidential vote.
Government opponents were due to protest alleged election irregularities on Wednesday in the capital Kinshasa. On Tuesday, however, the government said the event
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Liberia: Tanker Explosion Death Toll Rises to 40
[Observer] The death toll from the recent gas tanker explosion in Totota, Lower Bong County, has risen to over 40, according to Liberia's Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Minister for Health Services, Dr. Francis Kateh.
The incident occurred when the gas tanker reportedly fell off the road and caught fire late Tuesday evening. Tragically, citizens had rushed to the scene to collect gas that was pouring out from the fallen tanker when it suddenly exploded, resulting in numerous fatalities and severe injuries.
During
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Somalia: WFP Requires $364 Million in 6 Months to Scale Up Activities in Somalia
[Shabelle] The World Food Program (WFP) has said it requires 364 million U.S. dollars in net funding across all activities to scale up humanitarian assistance in Somalia between December 2023 and May 2024.
The WFP said in its latest report released on Tuesday night that out of the figure, its urgent funding gap for life-saving humanitarian relief and nutrition assistance is 315.5 million dollars. "In 2023, an estimated 1.5 million children under the age of five are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition, with
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Africa: An African History of Cannabis Offers Fascinating and Heartbreaking Insights - an Expert Explains
[The Conversation Africa] When I tell people that I research cannabis, I sometimes receive a furtive gesture that implies and presumes: "We're both stoners!", as if two members of a secret society have met.
Other times, I receive looks of concern. "You don't want to be known as the guy who studies marijuana," a professional colleague once counselled. Lastly, some respond with blank stares: "Why do academics spend time on such frivolous topics?"
I've learned that all these attitudes reflect ignorance about the plant, which few
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African Nations Forge New Paths in Global Diplomacy
[DW] African countries are assuming an increasingly individualistic approach to foreign policy that are sometimes at odds with those of international powers.
The war in Gaza is dividing African countries far more than their differences over Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine.
"Contrary to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, we saw an effort from the African leadership to respond as a bloc," Fredson Guilengue, a Johannesburg-based analyst with the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, which is affiliated with Germany's
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Egypt: Sports Min Opens Arab Basketball Championship
[Egypt Online] Minister of Youth and Sports,Dr. Ashraf Sobhi inaugurated the 25th Arab Basketball Championship competitions.
The tournament will continue until January 3, with the participation of 9 teams, in the indoor hall of Cairo Stadium.
The opening witnessed a presentation of the wheelchair basketball team, in the presence of Dr. Magdy Abu Freikha, President of the Egyptian Basketball Federation and Vice President of the Arab Federation, Abdullah Shalaby, Secretary-General of the Arab Federation, Abdel Rahman
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Zimbabwe: Moves to Abolishing Death Penalty Stir Debate
[The Herald] TO hang or not to hang convicted murderers has generated ardent debate in Zimbabwe.
The debate has an emotive space of contention among Zimbabweans with lay and expert voices differing on what constitutes human rights and the sanctity of life.
This comes as the authorities have set in motion legislative processes to remove the death penalty from the country's statutes in line with global human rights standards, following nationwide consultation.
Zimbabwe is one of about 16 out of 54 countries in Africa
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Seychelles: Over 100 Seychelles' Households Received Financial Assistance Following Dec. 7 Disasters
[Seychelles News Agency] More than 100 households affected by the explosion on Mahe on December 7 have already received the SCR25,000 ($1,800) assistance offered by the government, said a top official on Wednesday.
In an exercise conducted by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs through the Agency for Social Protection (ASP), about 400 households have submitted applications to receive the SCR25,000 allocation.
The assistance was announced by Seychelles' President Wavel Ramkalawan on December 14, a week after two
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Nigeria: Electric Taxis Excite Maiduguri Residents, Call for Female Drivers
[Vanguard] The deployment of electric taxis in Maiduguri has continued to excite commuters who commended the initiative and called for the employment of women to drive some of the vehicles.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that 50 electric cars and 57 mass transit buses were recently procured and deployed to ease transportation costs by the Borno Government.
The vehicles were inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu on Dec. 11, in Maiduguri.
Drivers of the electric taxis charge N100 per passenger, and run on
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Nigeria: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Hope in the Nigerian Healthcare in 2023
[Nigeria Health Watch] As the year 2023 comes to a conclusion, it is a good time to look at the current state of Nigeria's health sector. In the midst of global crises and the dawn of a new government, the new President's "Renewed Hope" agenda has brought about a shift in gears in the health sector. This retrospective review not only acknowledges the progress made, but also highlights Nigeria's continued journey towards a better and more robust healthcare sector.
The healthcare sector has faced several challenges, which have
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Nigeria: Ex-Speaker, Ghali Na'Abba, Dies At 65
[Premium Times] " We are currently making arrangements to transport the corpse to Kano for burial today."
A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na'Abba, has died in Abuja at the age of 65 years.
Ahmed Lawal, an aide to the deceased, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria( NAN) in a telephone interview on Wednesday in Kano.
He said the former speaker died in the early hours of Wednesday at the National Hospital, Abuja.
Mr Na'Abba emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party's candidate in the April 1999
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Zimbabwe: Govt Backtracks on Free Education Roll-Out
[New Zimbabwe] GOVERNMENT has backtracked on its promise to provide free education, saying the move requires resources and serious mobilisation strategies.
Speaking to local media, Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Torerai Moyo, said the Emmerson Mnangagwa-led government was committed to providing free education despite the challenges.
"It is true, the government has the intention that from Early Childhood Development (ECD) up to Grade 7, children should have free education," responded Moyo to queries when free
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Nigeria: We Share Responsibility to Ensure Nigeria's Peace, Stability - Tinubu to Governors
[Premium Times] "Nigeria needs peace and stability to move forward. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we have to take care of it," President Tinubu said
President Bola Tinubu says the federal and sub-national governments of Nigeria have the mutual responsibility of ensuring the country's peace and stability.
Speaking during a meeting with the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) at his residence in Lagos on Tuesday, the president reiterated his condemnation of the latest killings in Plateau State.
Addressing the governors, the
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Kenya: Section of Jubilee Party Leaders Call for Impeachment of President Ruto
[Capital FM] A section of Jubilee party leaders have called for the impeachment of President William Ruto, claiming that he is unfit to lead the country.
Speaking to the media, Member of Parliament Ndaragwa, Jeremiah Kioni claimed that President Ruto should be impeached because he is mentally incapable of leading the people of Kenya.
"One of the grounds of impeaching a president or removing him from office is when you think his mental capacity is in doubt," he said.
The MP said that those are charge of this impeachment
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Africa: Several Dead After Rain Triggers Flash Floods
[DW] A 10-meter (33 feet) deluge swept through a borough of Ladysmith in South Africa, destroying homes and cars. Rescuers are battling to find survivors as rainstorms continue.
Flash floods hit the vicinity of the city of Ladysmith in eastern South Africa, killing at least six and leaving some 11 more missing.
A deluge of up to 10 meters (33 feet) deep swept through a Ladysmith district in KwaZulu Natal province, rescuers said. It destroyed homes and cars.
The coastal town of Mandeni, further south of
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Liberia: Over 10 Persons Feared Dead in Lower Bong County After Fuel Tanker Exploded
[FrontPageAfrica] More than ten people have been reported dead when a fuel tanker exploded on the Mulbah Hill, lower Bong County after residents tried to siphon petrol out of it.
The tanker was involved in an accident on Tuesday afternoon which caused it to veer off the road and topple on its side, the police said on Tuesday.
"Some people went there to take fuel from the tanker, in the process the tanker exploded," said a police officer.
Details to Follow soon..
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