Burkina Faso slapstwo-week suspension on BBC, VOA radio broadcasts over extrajudicial killings coverage
In the report based on its own investigation, the watchdog said that the West African country’s military summarily executed about 223 villagers, including at least 56 children, in February as part of a campaign against civilians accused of collaborating with jihadist militants.
Chad and Niger question US counterterrorism role in Africa as Washington influence recedes
Called status-of-forces agreements, these deals allow the US to conduct critical counterterrorism operations within both countries’ borders and have supported military partner training. The reversals have prompted concern that US influence in Africa is losing ground to overtures from Russia and China.
Why pessimism has dethroned optimism in South Africa 30 years after Nelson Mandela gallantly rode to power
As the country gears up for celebrations on Saturday to mark 30 years of freedom and democracy, much of the enthusiasm and optimism of that period has subsided as Africa’s most developed economy faces a myriad of challenges.
Human Rights Watch report accuses Burkina Faso army of killing 223 civilians, including babies
The once-peaceful nation has been ravaged by violence that has pitted jihadis linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group against state-backed forces. Both sides have targeted civilians caught in the middle, displacing more than two million people, of which over half are children. Most attacks go unpunished and unreported in a nation run by a repressive leadership that silences perceived dissidents.
Poll race tightens for South Africa President Ramaphosa as ANC loses another court case vs Zuma’s Umkhonto Wesizwe
The MK Party was formed late last year and was given added importance ahead of a national election in May when former ANC leader Zuma joined. MK takes its full name – uMkhonto weSizwe – from the now-disbanded military wing set up by the ANC and Nelson Mandela in the 1960s. The MK Party’s logo showing a man holding a spear and a shield is similar to the old military wing’s logo.
US starts winding down military bases in Niger after ruling junta demanded exit of foreign armies
A US official said there was no timeline for withdrawal besides talks set to start in the coming days about next steps. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to detail the private diplomatic discussions. An American delegation to coordinate the details of the withdrawal process will be dispatched soon.
Sudan’s horrific war is fuelled by weapons from foreign supporters of rival generals – UN
Two decades ago, Darfur became synonymous with genocide and war crimes, particularly by the notorious Janjaweed Arab militias, against populations that identify as Central or East African.
Death-row inmates, terminally and elderly among 4,000 prisoners freed on Zimbabwe Independence Day
All death row prisoners who have been in jail for at least 10 years had their sentences commuted to life in prison under the amnesty. Zimbabwe has more than 60 inmates on death row. It wasn’t immediately clear how many of those had their sentences commuted to life under the amnesty.
Pushed out of power on charges of graft and rape, South Africa’s ex-president Zuma returns to torment ruling ANC
One big reason is Jacob Zuma, the former president and ANC leader who stepped down in disgrace in 2018 amid a swirl of corruption allegations but has emerged in recent months with a new political party. It intends to be a major election player as the former president seeks revenge against former longtime allies.
Nigerian separatist leader arrested in Kenya will know fate of bail application next month
Justice Binta Murtala Nyako, who denied Kanu bail last month, had wanted to commence his trial on Wednesday. Nyako set May 20 for ruling on Kanu’s application to restore his bail or to be moved to prison or house arrest from custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), a security agency.
