South Africa’s ruling ANC takes Umkhonto Wesizwe, rival party fronted by ex-president Zuma to court
The ANC says the new uMkhonto weSizwe (Spear of the Nation) party did not meet criteria when it was registered in September. The case at the Electoral Court in the central city of Bloemfontein opened on Tuesday.
Home of South Africa’s parliament speaker searched for evidence after bribery allegations
The investigation of Mapisa-Nqakula, 67, was made public this month by a newspaper, which said she was suspected of receiving at least $120,000 in bribes from a defence contractor between 2016 and 2019. The money was delivered to her in cash in gift bags.
More than 100 villagers abducted in latest round of mass kidnappings in northern Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu, elected to lead the country of more than 210 million people last year, has ruled out payment of ransoms as is often done in the operation to free the children.
Congolese journalist Bujakera imprisoned for ‘spreading false information’ set for release
Bujakera, who has denied all charges, had faced up to 20 years in prison. He was accused of fabricating a memo that implicated a Congolese intelligence official in the murder of an opposition spokesman.
FGM setback: Gambia considers repealing female cut law, will be first country to reverse the ban
The bill is backed by religious conservatives in the nation of less than three million people. Its text says that “it seeks to uphold religious purity and safeguard cultural norms and values.” The country’s top Islamic body has called the practice “one of the virtues of Islam.”
US officials meet Niger’s junta as Biden weighs options in Africa to steady counterterrorism agenda
On Saturday, following the meeting, the junta’s spokesperson, Col-Maj Amadou Abdramane, said US flights over Niger’s territory in recent weeks were illegal. Meanwhile, Insa Garba Saidou, a local activist who assists Niger’s military rulers with their communications, criticised US efforts to force the junta to pick between strategic partners.
African Development Bank chief Adesina criticises opaque loans tied to Africa’s natural resources
Akiwumi Adesina said loans secured with natural resources pose a challenge for development banks like his and the International Monetary Fund, which promote sustainable debt management. Countries may struggle to get or repay loans from these institutions because they have to use the income from their natural resources — typically crucial to their economies — to pay off resource-tied debts, he said.
South Africa’s ruling ANC risks its freedom struggle credentials by fielding candidates facing corruption probe
The four ANC candidates provisionally included on the list pending the finalisation of integrity investigations include current Sports and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa, former Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba and former State Security Minister David Mahlobo, the three who have come under the most scrutiny.
Paramilitary group fighting Sudan’s army endorses UN call for ceasefire during Ramadhan
The head of the World Food Programme, Cindy McCain, said earlier this week that the conflict risks creating the world’s largest hunger crisis, with some 18 million people across Sudan facing acute hunger, including six million who face starvation.
Candidates in Senegalese presidential poll have just two weeks to campaign after delays
The new date leaves the 19 candidates little more than two weeks, rather than the usual 21 days, to drum up support. It also means that for the first time campaigning in the majority Muslim nation will take place during the holy month of Ramadhan, which begins on Sunday night
