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AFRICA

Ruto ‘Losing Grip’: Malema’s EFF Sides with Kenya’s Gen Z Protesters
AFRICA

Ruto ‘Losing Grip’: Malema’s EFF Sides with Kenya’s Gen Z Protesters

EFF leader Julius Malema addresses party faithful at Gauteng rally, November 2023. IMAGE: EFF In Summary: 1) South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party criticizes President William Ruto's leadership and lauds Kenyan youth protests. 2) EFF urges South African youth to follow Kenya's example in demanding economic justice and true liberation. South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, led by Julius Malema, has publicly criticized Kenyan President William Ruto, claiming he is "rapidly losing his grip on power due to his disregard for the youth." The party praised young Kenyans, particularly Generation Z, for their courage in demanding better governance through anti-government protests. The EFF dismissed the Kenyan government's proposals for dialogue an...
Ruto Secures Crucial Backing for Raila’s AU Chairmanship Bid
AFRICA

Ruto Secures Crucial Backing for Raila’s AU Chairmanship Bid

President William Ruto with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. PHOTO: @WilliamsRuto/X In Summary: Raila Odinga's bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship receives a significant boost from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, thanks to President William Ruto's diplomacy. Algeria pledges financial support for Kenya’s peace mission to Haiti and assistance for its agricultural sector. Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga's campaign for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship has received a significant boost following a diplomatic meeting between President William Ruto and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. In a statement released on Friday, June 14, President Ruto announced that President Tebboune has pledged Algeria's support for K...
Intensive Search Underway for Missing Malawian Aircraft Carrying Vice President
AFRICA

Intensive Search Underway for Missing Malawian Aircraft Carrying Vice President

Malawi Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima .Image file | Courtesy In Summary: A Malawi Defence Force aircraft carrying Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima went off radar after departing Lilongwe on Monday morning. President Lazarus Chakwera has stated that an intensive search and rescue operation is actively continuing to locate the missing plane. Chilima was en route to attend the funeral of a former cabinet minister in the northern city of Mzuzu when contact was lost. President Lazarus Chakwera has assured the nation that no resources are being spared in the search for the Malawi Defence Force aircraft that went missing on Monday. The plane, carrying Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima, lost radar contact shortly after taking off from Lilongwe and failed ...
South African Opposition Awaits Clarity on ANC’s Unity Government Proposal
AFRICA, World news

South African Opposition Awaits Clarity on ANC’s Unity Government Proposal

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa, accompanied by members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) including Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Gwede Mantashe, Fikile Mbalula, Nomvula Mokonyane, and Dr. Gwen Ramokgopa, convenes in Boksburg, East of Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 6, 2024, to explore strategies for forming a new South African government, as stated by Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula. IMAGE/Topnews In Summary: South African opposition parties eagerly await further details on the African National Congress' (ANC) proposal for a government of national unity post its loss of majority in the recent elections. President Cyril Ramaphosa advocates for broad collaboration, emphasizing the necessity for consensus-building amid the ANC's diminished mandate. South Afr...
Mudavadi, Raila Outline Strategy for AU Commission Chair Bid
AFRICA, World news

Mudavadi, Raila Outline Strategy for AU Commission Chair Bid

Prime Cabinet Secretary Dr. Musalia Mudavadi (right) and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga briefed journalists on Wednesday, outlining Kenya's campaign strategy for Odinga's candidacy to lead the African Union Commission as its next Chairperson. PHOTO | Courtesy In Summary: Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga jointly unveiled Kenya's campaign strategy for Odinga's candidacy as the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). Mudavadi highlighted Odinga's extensive experience and Pan-African vision as ideal for the AUC leadership role, outlining plans for a campaign secretariat, member state outreach, and a televised public debate involving candidates ahead of the February 2025 elections. In a joint press conference on ...
All Eyes on ANC as Coalition Talks Begin Amid South Africa’s Political Shift
AFRICA, World news

All Eyes on ANC as Coalition Talks Begin Amid South Africa’s Political Shift

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the results of the general election at the IEC National Results Center, Midrand, June 2, 2024. The ANC lost its 30-year majority, securing only 159 of 400 parliamentary seats. Photo | Topnews In Summary: ANC loses majority after 30 years in power. Diverse potential coalition partners make negotiations challenging. South Africa is closely watching the African National Congress (ANC) as it deliberates on a coalition partner after losing its majority for the first time in 30 years of democracy. The ANC, which has dominated since the end of apartheid in 1994, secured only 40.2% of the vote, a sharp decline from 57.5% five years ago. Voter dissatisfaction with unemployment, inequality, and persistent power blackouts signific...
South Africans Vote in Historic Election Amid High Turnout: When Results Are Expected
AFRICA, Headlines, World news

South Africans Vote in Historic Election Amid High Turnout: When Results Are Expected

Voters line up at a polling station in Hopetown, located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, during the national elections on May 29, 2024. In Summary: High voter turnout observed, surpassing 2019 levels Reports of minor disruptions at some polling stations Major parties remain optimistic amid competitive atmosphere In what is shaping up to be the most competitive election since the end of apartheid, South Africans are turning out in record numbers. Early indications suggest that voter turnout could exceed the 66% seen in 2019, reflecting widespread frustration with the status quo. From the bustling streets of Johannesburg and Cape Town to the rural heartlands and townships, citizens braved the morning cold to cast their ballots. Bongile Mkunqa, 53, ...
Uhuru Kenyatta to Lead AU Election Observation Mission in South Africa
AFRICA, World news

Uhuru Kenyatta to Lead AU Election Observation Mission in South Africa

Retired president Uhuru Kenyatta.IMAGE |Courtesy In Summary: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed to lead AU Election Observation Mission in South Africa. The Mission will collaborate with various stakeholders and release preliminary findings on May 31, 2024. Kenya’s former President Uhuru Kenyatta has been appointed to head the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) for the upcoming general elections in South Africa. The African Union Commission (AUC) selected Kenyatta for this crucial role as South Africans prepare to vote on May 29, 2024. The AU's election observation team consists of 60 members, including ambassadors, officials from election management bodies, members of African civil society organizations, election experts, human rights specialists, g...
International Concerns Mount as Senegal Faces Opposition Backlash After Election Postponed
AFRICA, World news

International Concerns Mount as Senegal Faces Opposition Backlash After Election Postponed

Senegal's President Macky Sall, seen here departing after a meeting with France's President at the Elysee Palace during the New Global Financial Pact Summit in Paris on June 23, 2023, faces mounting opposition and international scrutiny following the indefinite postponement of the presidential election. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP) In Summary:1) President Macky Sall's indefinite postponement of Senegal's presidential election triggers opposition protests and draws international attention.2) Amid disputes over rejected candidates, leaders express urgency for a transparent and inclusive electoral process. Feb 5, (TopNews) - Senegal grapples with political turmoil following President Macky Sall's announcement of an indefinite postponement of the presidential election slated for Februa...
Nigerian Man, 54, Sparks Outcry with Alleged ‘Marriage’ to Four-Year-Old for Health Reasons
AFRICA, World news

Nigerian Man, 54, Sparks Outcry with Alleged ‘Marriage’ to Four-Year-Old for Health Reasons

Controversy erupts as a 54-year-old Nigerian man weds a four-year-old girl in an attempt to 'protect her from death'—image provided./Courtesy Summary Controversy unfolds as a 54-year-old Nigerian man reportedly weds a four-year-old, citing a traditional practice, 'Koripamo,' to mitigate the child's persistent health issues. In Bayelsa's Akeddei community, a disconcerting incident occurred on December 26, 2023, triggering public concern. Allegedly, Mr. Akpos Napoleon, 54, entered into a union with a four-year-old girl, justifying it with the cultural practice of 'Koripamo' to alleviate the child's recurring health problems. Dr Abayomi Alabi, Director of Child Rights International, commented, "After hearing from the child’s parents, the traditional ruler, and other rights groups, ...