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.
Aid agency’s warnings of dire situation in Sudan prompt donors pledge $2.1 billion to off famine
Sudan descended into conflict in April last year when simmering tensions between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces exploded into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere across the country.
South Africa recalls toxic J&J’s cough syrup currently retailing in six African nations
Kenya and Nigeria have already issued recalls for the same syrup, which is used in the treatment of hay fever and other allergic conditions affecting the upper respiratory tract.
Russian Wagner mercenaries mutate into beasts that are raping women in Central African Republic with abandon
A local fighter who works with Wagner asserted that he saw six of the Russians rape a local woman in the tent where he was sleeping at their base in Bambari in early 2023. He said the Russians give women canned food like sardines or bottled water afterward. He spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. The Russian government didn’t respond to questions.
Resources war: Sudan conflict is a case of military orchestras conducted by foreign interests
The influence of outside players has loomed over events in Sudan since the overthrow of former leader Omar al-Bashir during a popular uprising five years ago.
