Rwanda faces aid freeze if EU backs European Parliament’s position on eastern Congo conflict
Congo is also the world’s most aid-dependent country, though humanitarian operations, which were 70 per cent funded by Washington last year, have taken a big hit since U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a pause on foreign aid last month.
Rebranded African Union mission in Somalia plan fresh crack down on Al-Shabaab terrorists
The transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM has significantly impacted the ground situation in Somalia, reflecting both continuity and new challenges.
Why Trump views Africa as key to repulsing China influence, degrading Islamists and restoring hope among Christians
Counterterrorism efforts also featured prominently in Hegseth’s discussions. He underscored the importance of counterterrorism efforts in Africa. He pointed to the February 1 US airstrikes against ISIS targets in Somalia as an example of the military’s ongoing role in stabilising the region. Coordinated with the Federal Government of Somalia, the strikes reflect what he described as a necessary shift in decision-making authority to field commanders.
Neo-slavery: Steeped in corruption, unable to create new jobs for African countries are sending skilled labour abroad to boost their economies
Sending workers abroad has been at the core of development strategies of Asian countries like the Philippines and Bangladesh for decades. But the approach has not been widely embraced in sub-Saharan Africa, where countries like Kenya have been accused by frustrated citizens of shirking their responsibility to create jobs at home.
South African currency holds firm stable as Trump promises more tariffs on minerals
South Africa’s benchmark 2030 government bond was weaker, with the yield up 3.5 basis points to 9.1 per cent. On the stock market, the Top-40 index closed up about 0.4 per cent.
Racist undertones: Why Trump, world’s richest man Elon Musk oppose South Africa’s new land law
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Councillor Malefetsane Mokoena meets with a family residing on Meyerskop farm, owned by a wealthy white farmer, with whom they are quarrelling over grazing rights in Free State province, South Africa, on February 6, 2025. Credit: Reuters
Keeping healthy with the dead: How Zimbabweans try to outpace death with exercise at club in a cemetery
At dawn, 65-year-old Nelly Mutandwa swapped her pyjamas for leggings, a T-shirt and sneakers. She grabbed a bottle of water before heading to an unconventional workout spot: a cemetery in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare. Surrounded by rows of graves, she joined other members of the Commandos Fitness Club in an hour-long...
Remembering Sam Nujoma: First born in a family of 11, how Namibia’s fiery freedom fighter steered his country to freedom in 1990
Sam Nujoma built ties with North Korea, Cuba, Russia and China, some of which had supported Namibia’s liberation movement by providing arms and training. But he balanced that with outreach to the West, and Nujoma was the first African leader to be hosted at the White House by former US President Bill Clinton in 1993. Clinton called Nujoma “the George Washington of his country” and “a genuine hero of the world’s movement toward democracy.”
Trump cuts funding for South Africa citing land policy and Pretoria’s war case against Israel
US President Donald Trump holds a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in the East Room at the White House in Washington, US, on February 7, 2025. Credit: Reuters
US’ suspension humanitarian aid exposes Kenya’s vulnerability as PBOs call for talks between the governments
The PBO’s leadership after a series of consultations in Nairobi pointed out the need for clear communication between the US and Kenyan governments to mitigate the impact of the decision. However, some PBO members acknowledged that Kenya must take responsibility for its own development, viewing the move by the US as a wake-up call.
