Know Afrika

  On April 27, 1993, tragedy struck the Zambian national football team, the Chipolopolo , in a devastating plane crash. While en route to a World Cup qualifying match in Senegal, their aircraft crashed into the Atlantic Ocean shortly after departing from Libreville, Gabon. This heartbreaking incident claimed the lives of all passengers, including players and coaching staff, leaving Zambia in profound mourning. Among those onboard was Kalusha Bwalya, a prominent player for the Zambian team. Fate intervened as he missed the flight due to club commitments with PSV Eindhoven. Though spared from the crash, Bwalya was deeply affected by the loss of his comrades. In the aftermath, Bwalya emerged as a leading figure in Zambian football, serving as both national team coach and president of the Football Association of Zambia. His dedication to the sport and remembrance of those lost became central to his journey. Every April 27, Zambia honors the victims of the Chipolopolo crash, reflecting ...

  The 11th edition of Nollywood Week, a festival dedicated to celebrating Nigerian and African cinema , is scheduled to take place at the Arlequin Cinema in Paris from May 2nd to 5th, 2024. This eagerly awaited event will showcase a range of film screenings, including both short and feature-length films, as well as host professional meetings and panel discussions, all aimed at highlighting the vibrant Nigerian cinema scene and the broader African film industry. Exciting New Festival Features: In an innovative step forward, this year’s Nollywood Week will expand beyond traditional cinema experiences. The festival will embrace virtual reality films, alongside animation and video games, as central themes for this edition. Viewers can immerse themselves in four virtual reality films from different parts of the continent, including the impactful “Daughters of Chibok,” which reflects on the tragic abduction of 276 Nigerian schoolgirls in April 2014 and received acclaim at the esteemed Ve...

  American actress Zendaya, known for her early days on the Disney Channel , is now setting her sights on the big leagues of the film industry. Demonstrating her ambition, Zendaya stars in “Challengers,” the latest feature film by Italian director Luca Guadagnino. In this captivating movie, Zendaya portrays Tashi, a rising young tennis player whose charm creates tension among her two friends. While her image may still be associated with her breakthrough role in the Disney Channel series “Shake It Up” from 2010, Zendaya is eager to explore new creative horizons and take control of her acting career. Breaking Free from the Disney Image: Zendaya reflects on her journey as a young actor and the challenges of being associated with a specific character. She explains, “Being a young actor and having no control over your character, over what’s happening, and telling yourself that it’s written, that you have to show up and do the right thing. And really, that’s it.” While grateful for the o...

  The prisoners who escaped from the jail in Suleja, Nigeria, following heavy rainfall numbered at least 118 , according to a spokesperson for the prison service. Adamu Duza, the spokesperson, reported that the downpour caused significant damage to parts of the medium-security facility, including the perimeter wall and surrounding buildings, enabling the inmates to escape. Despite the damage, efforts to recapture the fugitives are underway, with 10 prisoners already apprehended with the assistance of other security agencies. Duza assured the public that authorities are actively pursuing the remaining escapees and urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency. While specific details regarding the identities or affiliations of the escaped prisoners were not disclosed, past incidents suggest that members of the Boko Haram Islamist militant group have been detained in Suleja prison. Jailbreaks have become a significant security concern in Nigeria due...

  The Basketball Africa League (BAL) is reshaping the landscape of African basketball, offering a stage for local talent to shine while also bolstering the region's economy. Its influence transcends the court, fostering infrastructure growth and elevating the global perception of African basketball. Empowering African Talent and Amplifying Global Recognition The BAL acts as a catalyst for African basketball stars, providing a platform for them to garner attention. Rising stars like Thierry Darlan, a promising player from Central Africa who honed his skills at the NBA Academy in Dakar, exemplify the league's ability to showcase African youth on an international scale. As African basketball progresses, it captures the interest of the global community, paving the way for African players to compete worldwide. Fueling Economic Expansion and Progress through Basketball Beyond its role as a sporting event, the BAL serves as an economic powerhouse for the continent. In 2023, the leag...

  Withdrawal of US Troops from Niger The United States is set to pull out all its troops from Niger , marking the conclusion of its long-standing presence in the West African nation. This decision follows a military coup in February 2023, which strained relations between Niger and Western powers. The US military's focus in Niger has mainly been on monitoring jihadist activity in the Sahel region, recognized as a significant area of concern due to the presence of the Islamic State group. Evolving Alliances in the Sahel Since taking control, military leaders in Niger have pursued closer ties with Russia. This strategic shift is evidenced by the arrival of Russian military instructors and advanced air defense systems in Niger. Niger's distancing from Western powers extends beyond the United States, with the country also stepping back from regional organizations like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the French-supported G5 Sahel force. Both groups have cri...

  The  Connected Africa Summit 2024 is set to redefine growth paradigms by concentrating on shaping a connected future for Africa, transcending mere connectivity to unlock broader avenues of development. Spearheaded by leaders like President William Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, this summit promises to propel Africa's technological progress. At the summit's inauguration in Nairobi's Uhuru Gardens, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi underscored Africa's need to leapfrog in technology rather than play catch-up. Mudavadi, also serving as the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, emphasized Africa's proactive role in shaping global technological trajectories. "We must maintain pace to avoid lagging behind," Mudavadi asserted, urging President William Ruto to persist in technological investments to keep Africa interconnected and competitive. President Ruto, addressing the same gathering, lauded his administration's stri...

  Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy and the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, were recently a topic of discussion in the Canadian Senate . The Senate recognized the remarkable growth and global expansion of the Nigerian music and movie industries, acknowledging their significant cultural impact. During the discussion, Marcel Lebleu, the Director General of the West and Central African Bureau at Global Affairs Canada, specifically commended Burna Boy for his outstanding achievements as a touring artist. Lebleu highlighted the Grammy-winning artist’s exceptional success in selling out the prestigious venue, The Bell Centre, in Montreal back-to-back, making him the first African artist to achieve this feat. Lebleu expressed his admiration, stating, “I don’t know if you know Burna Boy. He is an Afrobeats singer. He was in Montreal three weeks ago, sold out The Bell Centre twice. That’s about 35,000 people. He was also in Toronto. We don’t think about the culture industry a lot, b...

  The UN is urgently calling for action regarding the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), emphasizing the pressing need for attention during a visit to a displaced persons camp in Goma by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk. The conflict between the Congolese army and M23 rebels has led to widespread displacement, with thousands forced from their homes, resulting in one of the world’s most severe displacement crises, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Individuals displaced by the conflict, such as Faida Bauma and Aminatha Kasole, have voiced their distress over the dire conditions and ongoing violence in the camp. Bauma highlighted the suffering caused by the conflict, expressing fear of violence and lack of basic necessities, while Kasole pleaded for an end to the war to allow people to return home and live in peace. Turk's visit aimed to draw international attention to the crisis in eastern DR Congo, whe...

  UAE's Dedication to Sudanese Well-being Participating in the International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan held in Paris, France, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reiterated its steadfast support for the Sudanese people . Represented by His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, the UAE engaged in discussions aimed at advancing peace initiatives and addressing the pressing humanitarian crisis in Sudan. At the conference, the UAE pledged USD 100 million to bolster humanitarian efforts in Sudan and its neighboring nations, showcasing its enduring commitment to extending aid and assistance to those in distress. Advancing Peace and Humanitarian Relief In his address, HE Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan commended the UAE's extensive endeavors to alleviate the plight of the Sudanese people and stressed the significance of global cooperation in resolving the conflict. The UAE reiterated its call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire while advocating for a r...

  Nigerians are swiftly embracing Starlink, a satellite internet service provided by SpaceX. In the past four months alone, SpaceX has attracted 500,000 new users in Nigeria, signaling a rising interest in this technology. According to the CEO of SpaceX, Nigerians are moving away from traditional networks and investing in Starlink kits. The allure of Starlink lies in its pledge of dependable and high-speed internet connectivity, particularly in areas with limited infrastructure. This has led to a surge in demand for Starlink kits among Nigerians seeking better internet access. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has expressed confidence that profits from Starlink will fuel ambitious projects, including the colonization of Mars. To facilitate the sale of Starlink kits in Nigeria, Konga has become the exclusive shop-in-shop commerce partner for Starlink. Recently, the company responsible for marketing the product announced a significant price reduction. On April 9, 2023, the cost of the Starli...

A shock wave reverberated through the world of African football when initial reports emerged of the tragic death of Rainford Kalaba, the former Zambia national team and TP Mazembe legend, following a serious road accident. However, recent updates have brought relief and hope as it has been confirmed that Kalaba is alive and battling for his recovery. The Accident and Initial Reports: On April 13, TP Mazembe officially announced Kalaba’s death, stating that he had tragically lost his life in an accident that occurred between Kafwe and Lusaka in Zambia. The news sent shockwaves throughout the football community, with tributes pouring in for the talented player. However, the grim news was later contradicted by Nzeba Chanda, the public relations officer of Lusaka University Hospital (UTH), who denied the circulating rumors on social media. Chanda clarified that while Kalaba was indeed involved in the accident and in critical condition, he had not succumbed to his injuries. This revelation ...

Promoting Peace in the DRC Rwandan President Paul Kagame and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently convened in Kigali to discuss the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Following their closed-door meeting, both leaders emphasized the need for a political solution to the complex challenges facing the region. Despite occasional tensions, their commitment to fostering peace and stability in the DRC remains unwavering. Prioritizing Diplomacy Over Military Action In the wake of South African troops’ deployment to the DRC as part of the SADC Mission, Kagame and Ramaphosa underscored the importance of prioritizing diplomacy over military intervention. Recognizing the multi-faceted nature of the conflict, they agreed that a peaceful political solution is essential to resolving the impasse between Rwanda and the DRC. By advocating for dialogue and reconciliation, the leaders aim to address underlying grievances and promote long-term stability in the region...

  Varied Responses to Upheld Legislation The recent affirmation by Uganda's Constitutional Court of the nation's anti-gay statute has elicited diverse reactions within the populace. While some segments of society endorse the law, considering homosexuality as a foreign concept contrary to Ugandan cultural norms, others voice apprehension regarding its impact on human rights and the well-being of the LGBTQI community. President Yoweri Museveni's backing of the law in 2023 further solidified its position, despite international criticism and calls for its repeal. Implications in Legal and Social Arenas The court's decision upholds a law that criminalizes homosexual behavior, with severe penalties including life imprisonment or, in extreme cases, the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality." This legal framework not only perpetuates discrimination against LGBTQI individuals but also impedes their access to vital healthcare services, particularly concerning HIV/...

  A Landmark Achievement in Gender Equality: President Felix Tshisekedi's selection of Judith Suminwa Tuluka as the Democratic Republic of Congo's inaugural female prime minister marks a significant breakthrough in the country's political sphere. This appointment not only fulfills a pledge made by President Tshisekedi during his campaign but also represents a pivotal stride towards gender parity in Congolese politics. Tuluka's ascension signals a shift towards greater inclusivity and representation in governance, instilling optimism for enhanced women's empowerment nationwide. Prioritizing Peace and Development: Stepping into her new role, Judith Suminwa Tuluka confronts the formidable challenge of addressing the enduring crisis in the conflict-ridden eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. With millions displaced and relentless violence persisting, Tuluka has vowed to prioritize peace and development initiatives, particularly in the strife-torn eastern ...