President Suluhu Hassan: Evolution from CCM ‘Flower Girl’ to Tanzania’s pernicious, ruthless dictator
A former vice president who rose to the presidency after the death of predecessor John Pombe Magufuli, Hassan initially gave indications that she would relax the government’s repressive tactics against opposition leaders, civic groups, journalists and others.
South African lender Absa to acquire StanChart wealth and retail banking business in Uganda
Absa, South Africa’s third-largest bank by assets, has also been working to restore stability and growing its retail business under new CEO Kenny Fihla, as it continues to address challenges stemming from its separation from Barclays in 2020
Kenya: Law in the offing to empower minority groups – some ‘naturalised tribes’ – uprooted by political cruelty in their countries
The meeting brought together representatives of the Tallai, Ogiek, Nubian and Nyarwanda communities, alongside government officials and civil society actors to deliberate on the proposed policy, which promotes unity through inclusion, equitable resource allocation and recognition of cultural diversity.
‘Our reality, our values’: Graffiti finds growing acceptance in West Africa
These days, graffiti has grown more assertive in Senegal, becoming part of the political messaging around anti-government protests. In Guinea, Diaw’s graffiti has addressed issues like migration.
Throat cancer survivors in Kenya call for tough punitive tax on tobacco to reduce spread of the disease
Despite this looming cancer crisis, Kenya’s health financing remains low, at around 3 per cent of GDP, far below the recommended 15 per cent under the Abuja Declaration.
Make America Scientific Again: Critics take swipe at AP report on drugs industry and ‘wave of anti-science bills’
In its reports, AP quoted several state lawmakers, most of whom expressed their opposition to the MAHA agenda and suggested that MAHA is spreading “conspiracy theories” and “misinformation.”
Coalition accuses US state officials of driving down vaccination rates, deliberately fuelling rise in dangerous infectious disease outbreaks
Hudson said Cody’s Law has “evolved from the proposed state law … into a joint effort between state and federal organisations and politicians working together … to bring a national solution for the severely vaccine-injured to get medical care at the time of injury.” She said this effort has received “critical support” from lawmakers.
Ukraine war: Putin tells Trump ‘no self-respecting country and no self-respecting people ever decides anything under pressure’
Putin derided the sanctions as an unfriendly act, saying they would not significantly affect the Russian economy and talked up Russia’s importance to the global market. He warned a sharp supply drop would push up prices and be uncomfortable for countries like the United States.
Standard Group science journalist Rosa Agutu bags 2025 biotechnology media award
The authority will continue to deepen partnerships for media training on biosafety fundamentals so reporters can confidently translate complexity for the public
Michelle Obama: I skipped Trump inauguration out of self-respect – a revolution all its own
By breaking her silence, Michelle Obama didn’t just clear the air – she modelled the kind of intentional living that transcends politics. Her decision to skip Trump’s second inauguration was personal, powerful and full of purpose.
