Africa

Nigerian President Vows Not to Let Up in Efforts to Rescue Chibok Girls

“I am hopeful that soon, Chibok community, Nigeria, and, indeed, the world, will welcome the remaining girls back home.”

South Africa's Zuma Calls for End to ANC Infighting

Some senior ANC members called for Zuma to resign in November, pointing to the damage several corruption scandals had on the party's image following its worst ever local election performance in August.

Ex-Chad Dictator Habre's Appeal Against Conviction Begins

The hearing opened Monday marking the final stage in the first universal jurisdiction case in Africa, and the first conviction of a former head of state by an African court for crimes against humanity.

Conservationists Call For Transparency in Zimbabwe Wildlife

Late Thursday, President Robert Mugabe’s government confirmed that it exported 35 elephants last month, despite having earlier dismissed the reports by the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force.

W. African Leaders Plan 'Major Decision' on Gambia, Nigeria Says

The West African ECOWAS bloc said last month that it would take all necessary steps to uphold the result of a December 1 election in Gambia, in which President Yahya Jammeh lost to Adama Barrow.

AU Commission Chief: African Leaders Should Stop Brutalizing Citizens’

“Our governments and leadership are there to protect the vulnerable, to serve the people; not to be the cause of the people’s suffering and retrogression.

Journalists: Late Bill Saidi Was A Fearless Writer

" ... We are deeply saddened by the death of the veteran journalist who has been in all manner of speaking seen it all in the industry and was a reservoir of knowledge ..."

800 Girls Circumcised in Tanzania Despite Police Crackdown

Twelve women suspected to have carried out the ritual, which involves the partial or total removal of the external genitalia, have been arrested as the police investigate the case.

Zimbabwe Battles New Typhoid Outreak

Officials say that so far, 126 cases of typhoid have been confirmed in Harare since the start of the rainy season in Zimbabwe about two months ago.

Janet Jackson, Husband Welcome Son

The 50-year-old pop superstar and husband Wissam Al Mana welcomed their son, Eissa Al Mana, on Tuesday, a representative for the singer said.

19 Year-old Gabon Migrant Stashed in Suitcase Impounded in Spain

Zimbabwe Tackles Mental Health With 'Friendship Benches'

The study involved more than 550 patients. After six months, 14 percent of the patients in the friendship bench group reported symptoms of depression, compared to 50 percent in a control group. They were also five times less likely to have suicidal thoughts.

Foreign, Local Partners Boost Skills of 12,000 Zimbabwe Youth

“About half of those trained in financial literacy subsequently accessed loans from microfinance institutions to start or expand their businesses, resulting in net profits of over $12 million.”

Gambia Electoral Commissioner Flees Country Amid Threats

President-elect Adama Barrow won the vote and Jammeh conceded defeat but on Dec. 9 he said he would not step down - a change of heart that drew international condemnation.

African Footballers Face Sobering Reality, Dashed Hopes Abroad

Fans of the Aigle football club of Menoua, a team in Cameroon's second division, cheer their players during a training session.

Top Zanu PF, Army Officials 'Looting' Command Agriculture Inputs

Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Minister Martin Dinha has informed acting president Emmerson Mnangagwa that the officials are collecting all the maize and fertilizer delivered at various places in the region.

Africans Attempting to Migrate to Europe Clash With Police in Northern Africa

Five Spanish and 50 Moroccan police were injured, ten seriously, as they clashed with migrants who tried to break through the fence using rocks and metal bars.

Young Continent, Old Leaders: The Aging Face of African Governance

At least eight African leaders have served in office for two decades, with an average age of 72.

Statue Export Ban Hits at Pyongyang's Soft Power, Hard Cash

In one of the odder items on the list of things North Korea can't export under U.N. sanctions, statues were explicitly listed for the first time.

Cheetah Numbers Decline as African Habitat Shrinks

An estimated 7,100 cheetahs remain in the wild across Africa and in a small area of Iran, and human encroachment has pushed the wide-ranging predator out of 91 percent of its historic habitat.

Solar Pump Helps Herders Overcome Zimbabwe Drought

“We are now taking our herds to the dip tank weekly and diseases like lump skin, which used to affect our livestock can now be controlled. There is a very big difference."

Anti-Graft Commission Investigates 'Shady' Indigenization Deals Linked to Minister Kasukuwere

The minister allegedly hired a private firm to collect funds for community ownership schemes without following proper tender proceedures. But he says he is clean.

Trump Spokeswoman: No Trump Meeting With Republic of Congo President

Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks said there had never been a meeting scheduled and would not be one before Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

Mozambique's Opposition Agrees to 7-day Truce After Call with President

Rights groups estimate that dozens of people have been killed this year in tit-for-tat attacks between Renamo fighters and the ruling Frelimo government.

Dozens Killed as Political Tensions Rise in DRC

Attacks have surged across the county since President Joseph Kabila and opposition parties failed to reach an agreement on how and when he will leave power.

At Christmas, Christian Faith Leaders Pray for Peace in Troubled World

Pope Francis said that terrorism is sowing "fear and death" in cities and countries around the world.

Hijackers of Libyan Plane Surrender in Malta

In a series of tweets, Muscat said the hijackers released the last remaining crew members before being taken into custody.

Various Groups Commemorate Unity Accord, End of Gukurahundi Atrocities

Justice Francis Bere granted the order after police refused to give the Matabeleland group permission to hold a meeting at Stanley Square in the country’s second largest city, Bulawayo.

HRW: Congo Security Forces Killed at Least 34 in Anti-Kabila Protests

Ida Sawyer, HRW's Central Africa director, said on Twitter that all the deaths occurred during the initial protests on Tuesday, raising the toll from an earlier count of 26.

In Challenge of Results, Gambia's Jammeh Says Only 'Allah' Can Deprive Him of Victory

Jammeh graciously conceded defeat at first, but now contends there were voter irregularities, and he has asked the Supreme Court to overturn the results of the vote

Grace Mugabe Ordered to Return Seized Property in Botched Diamond Ring Deal

Mrs. Mugabe's representatives occupied three houses after a Lebanese national failed to refund her $1,35 million she paid for a diamond ring bought in Dubai.

Zimbabweans Find Creative Solutions to Cash Crisis

"... I know some people who are not travelling [to Zimbabwe], who are now resorting to sending their money with drivers and so on. Most of this money gets lost along the way."

Defiant Gambia Leader Says Not a 'Coward' and Won't Leave

Jammeh initially conceded defeat following the Dec. 1 election, only to make a dramatic about-face a week later.

'2018 Zimbabwe General Election Set to Record Intensive Violence'

Shumba said, "It is dangerous for the country to hold an election without addressing fundamental issues related to holding a free and fair election.”

Six Journalists Killed in Africa in 2016, Watchdog Says

Worldwide, at least 48 journalists were killed this year, many of them in the conflict zones of Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya and Afghanistan, 90 percent were local journalists.

African States Narrowly Fail to Stop UN Gay Rights Envoy Work

The attempt was voted down in the U.N. General Assembly 84 to 77 with 16 abstentions, a month after African states made a similar unsuccessful move in the General Assembly's third committee, which deals with human rights.

Who Answers Letters to Santa Claus?

Every Christmas, children around the world write letters to Santa Claus.

Mugabe to Stand in Zimbabwe 2018 Elections

President Robert Mugabe officially closed Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF annual conference in Masvingo after the party had unanimously endorsed him as its candidate for the 2018 elections.

Zimbabwe's Mugabe Tries to Unite Fractious Party

Tsvangirai Urges Youth to Vote in 2018 Zimbabwe Elections

“… It is no use being lied to everyday that you are the leaders of tomorrow when tomorrow is under serious threat from the leaders of today.

Malawi Announces Africa's 1st Humanitarian Drone Testing Corridor

The launch of the testing corridor is largely supported by UNICEF-Malawi as a pilot project using unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS, for transporting dried blood samples for the early diagnosis of HIV in infants.

Facebook to Offer Tools to Combat Fake News

The company will make it easier for users to flag fake articles on their News Feed and will also work with organizations such as fact-checking website Snopes.

Young Tech ‘Gurus’ Honored in Zimbabwe

'My team and I are hoping to find strategic partners to make RoadRules app more affordable for users, especially the youth, and we foresee bigger and better things coming our way as we go into 2017.'

Zimbabwe Drought, Hunger Push Farmers to Seek Greener Pastures

The most drought-affected parts of the country of 14.2 million people are Masvingo, Matebelaland North and South and the Midlands, according to British charity Oxfam.

MDC-T Preparing for 2018 Polls, Sets Strict Conditions for Oppotision Coalition

“All our structures across the country, across villages and towns will collapse into a grand election machinery."

3 MDC-T Activists Get 20 Years in Jail Each for Killing Police Officer

High Court judge Chinembiri Bhunu said the state proved beyond any reasonable doubt that Tungamirai Madzokere, Yvonne Musarurwa and Last Maengahama killed Inspector Petros Mutedza.

Kenyan Police Use Tear Gas to Disperse Rally Against Graft

The march was part of a protest movement by activists who want Kenya's government to do more to stem what they charge is rampant graft within the administration.

Zimbabwe Lawyers Initiate Class Court Action on Exorbitant Bank Charges

Indications are that banks are charging clients as much as $18 per week for withdrawing a paltry $150.

FAO Upgrades Irrigation to Fight Hunger in Zimbabwe

The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has embarked on a $6-million program to rehabilitate irrigation schemes that President Robert Mugabe's government abandoned,

Defeated Ghana President: Praise-Singing Sycophants Misled Me

'... Unfortunately, I did not listen to voices of reason. Our elders say a disease that will kill a man first breaks sticks into his ears.'

African Union Criticizes Gambian President Over Rejected Election Results

Dlamini-Zuma said said Jammeh's rejection of the results is "null and void" as he has already conceded.

8 International Organizations Condemn Human Rights Violations in Zimbabwe

“It is deeply concerning that in the last few months an increasing number of citizens have been arrested and are facing prosecution for participating in peaceful protests ..."

Ghana's President Mahama Concedes Election Defeat

"The call (from Mahama) came just a few minutes ago," Boakye Agyarko, a senior aide to Akufo-Addo, told Reuters.

Southern Africa’s Dire Food Situation Grows Worse

Food supplies are critically low because of poor harvests caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon, which has wrought havoc in the region since 2015.

Ghana's President Will Accept Election Outcome

News organizations in Ghana say that with most of the votes counted, Nana Akufo-Addo of the opposition New Patriotic Party is headed for a clear victory with about 53 percent.

Zimbabwe Unveils $4 Billion National Budget With Projected $400 Million Deficit

Presenting the budget in parliament today, Chinamasa said the country is expected to grow by 1,7% from 0.6% estimated this year.

MDC-T: Mugabe State Of Nation Address Uninspiring, Puerile And Dumb

What Zimbabweans are now asking President Mugabe to do is to urgently present a State of Resignation Address

Zimbabwe to Release More Bond Notes Worth $7 Million

“In line with the strategy to release the Bond Notes on a measured or drip feed basis, the Bank would like to advise the public that it is releasing the second batch of $2 Bond Notes amounting to $7 million this week.”

Ghana Awaits Election Results

Polls closed in Ghana at 5 p.m. local time, although people in line at that hour were allowed to vote.

Ghana Set to Elect President, Parliament

President John Drahami Mahama is seeking a full term after taking over from John Atta Mills, who died in 2012. Mahama will face opposition leader Nana Akufo-Addo.

Twitter Releases 2016 Trending Topics

The Summer Games hosted in Brazil generated the year’s most tweets for a single topic, according to Twitter.

Study: There’s No Safe Level of Smoking

Some people think if they only have one cigarette per day, or 10 or fewer, they are in the clear for smoking-related diseases including lung cancer and heart disease.

Mugabe Avoids Critical Issues In State of The Nation Address

“In line with ZIMASSET objectives, government this year created 69,648 stands for the National Housing Delivery Programme.

Fake US Embassy in Ghana Shut Down After 'About a Decade'

The scam was orchestrated by "Ghanaian and Turkish organized crime rings'' and a Ghanaian attorney, a statement said. Several suspects have been arrested, though others remain at large.

MDC-T: We Are Not Part of Proposed Opposition Parties Coalition

“Put simply, the MDC is primarily concerned, for now, with the creation of a condusive electoral environment that will bring about a free and fair election.”

UN Calls for Donors to Ease Hunger in Southern Africa

Chimimba David Phiri, the head of FAO in southern Africa, told journalists in Harare that of the $35.8 million the U.N. agencies in the region need to fight the effects of El Nino, only $8 million has been secured

UN Launches Record Appeal for Nearly 93 Million Vulnerable People

At a gathering of international donors in Geneva, the U.N. said the world is facing the biggest humanitarian crisis since World War II.

Mugabe’s Nephew: I’m Opposed to VP Mnangagwa’s Presidential Bid

“Surely we can’t allow a country to be run by people who threaten to kill when they get state power and machinery … I have to freely make my own decision without undue fear or intimidation ..."

Jammeh Concedes Defeat in Gambia Election Upset

State media broadcast a phone call in which President Yahya Jammeh told opposition candidate Adama Barrow that he wanted to hand over power graciously and vowed not to contest the results.

Zimbabwe Banks Run Out of Bond Notes

Mlambo said it is unlikely that the RBZ would introduce more bond notes to boost money supply.

HIV Vaccine Trial to Begin in South Africa

The HVTN 702 is the largest and most advanced HIV vaccine clinical trial to be undertaken in South Africa, where some seven million people are living with the virus.

Mandela Children's Hospital Opens in Johannesburg

The 200-bed Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital cost $70 million to build. It was conceived by Mandela more than a decade ago.

Antibodies Offer Hope in Battling AIDS

In the United States, researchers are working to use the body's own immune system to keep the virus in check.

Election Commission Says Gambia's President to Concede Defeat

The announcement came from commission chair Alieu Momarr Njai, who told reporters in Banjul that it's "very unique" that Jammeh would accept defeat after ruling the country for so long.

Julius Malema: Mugabe Must Go

“We like President Mugabe … But we now need a new leader. Like Castro, he must hand over power to other people,” he said.

President Magufuli, Strive Masiyiwa Named Top Africans ...

Magufuli and business mogul Strive Masiyiwa of Econet Wireless Zimbabwe were picked by guest editors, including Carlos Lopes, Acha Leke, Winnie Byanyima and Ory Okolloh.

Zimbabwe Police Disperse Protesters Rejecting New Currency

Fidel Castro Leaves Complicated Legacy in Africa

Many on the continent will remember him as a key ally to African independence movements, and as a generous man who provided doctors and teachers to poor societies.

Zimbabwe Police Refuse to Sanction Planned ZCTU Anti-Bond Notes Protests

Police informed ZCTU that the organization has nothing to do with the bond notes, which the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe claims are designed to boost the country’s exports.

Uganda: 149 Alleged Rebels Arrested After Assault on Palace

At least 46 supporters of the king and 16 police have died in the clashes, according to Ugandan police spokesman Andrew Felix Kaweesi.

Plane with Brazilian Soccer Team Crashes in Colombia, 76 Dead

​​Brazilian president Michael Temer said authorities are mobilizing to help the team and families of the victims.

Zimbabwe Begins Issuing New Currency

3 of Zuma's Cabinet Ministers Want Him to Resign

Local media say Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, and Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi called on Zuma to step down at a meeting of the ruling African National Congress.

African Union Official Remembers Fidel Castro

“As you know, Cuba provided support in the form of medical doctors and has also trained a number of doctors from Africa in Cuba ..."

Zimbabwe Central Bank to Release Bond Notes Monday

"The initial release of bond notes shall be in an amount of $10 million in denominations of $2 and $2 million in $1 bond coins. The features of the bond notes will be released simultaneously with the bond notes."

Caps United Clinch Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League Title

Simba Nhivi scored the much-needed goal for the Green Machine, who last won back to back league titles under Charles Mhauri between 2004 and 2005.

Former Cuban President Fidel Castro Dies at 90

Fidel Castro’s communist government survived a U.S.-backed invasion of Cuban exiles, a superpower missile crisis, assassination plots and decades of U.S. economic sanctions

Activists in Zimbabwe Focus on Child Marriage as 5,000 Kids Drop Out of School

Official statistics released this week say about 5,000 Zimbabwean children have left school this year alone because of early marriages.

Tsvangirai to Address 'Mega Rally' at Zimbabwe Grounds

The MDC-T leader is expected to talk about the current harsh economic situation, proposed bond notes and electoral reforms.

Mood Gets Grimmer in Zimbabwe Over Mugabe, Diving Economy

"I have to stock up. There won't be any fuel by the time we reach Christmas," said Fadzai Radaira, the buyer at the fuel station in Harare.

Fresh Hope for Zimbabweans With Special Permits in South Africa

The minister's re-consideration of this issue is likely to bring temporary relief to these Zimbabweans since the department had earlier on made it clear that they must go back home when their permits expire.

Zimbabwe Finance Minister Makes U-Turn on Fasttracking Bond Notes Bill

Chinamasa requested the House of Assembly to fast-track the Bill on Wednesday, a move that was resisted by opposition lawmakers.

S. Africa's Biggest Union Group Backs Ramaphosa to Succeed Zuma

Zanu PF Activists Mock 'Rigged' America Election Outcome

“There are growing fears the US election was rigged and this is being reported by the US mainstream media citing credible scientists."

Zanu PF Province Challenges Mugabe's Powers to Appoint Deputies

Mashonald Central challenges Mugabe's powers in appointing deputies and calls for election of a woman vice president.

Power Crisis Looms in Zimbabwe as ZESA Fails to Pay ESKOM, Mozambique Firm

Chifamba said Zimbabwe would be plunged into a crisis if power is switched off by ESKOM and Mozambique’s power utility due to its huge debt.

U.S Concerned About Abduction, Assault of Zimbabwe Civil Society Leaders

“The United States remains concerned about Zimbabwe’s deteriorating human rights record, which includes the continued harassment, arrests, and ongoing detention of civil rights leaders ..."

Malawi's 'Hyena' Convicted for Traditional, But Illegal, Sex Customs

Fisi is a traditional custom in southern Malawi: a man is hired and paid to have sex with widows to exorcise evil spirits that may bring death to the bereaved family.