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  South Africa has entered a new political era with the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) comprising ten political parties . This coalition, resulting from the African National Congress (ANC) losing its parliamentary majority, signifies a break from the ANC’s traditional dominance. The ANC leads the coalition with 40.2% of the vote, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 21.8%. Coalition Composition The coalition includes the Inkatha Freedom Party, Patriotic Alliance, Freedom Front Plus, United Democratic Movement, Rise Mzansi, GOOD party, and Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, among others. Together, these parties control 287 of the 400 parliamentary seats, ensuring a strong foundation for the government. Exclusion of Leftist Parties Notably absent from the coalition are leftist parties such as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and former President Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe party, which collectively garnered about a quarter of the votes. Despite t...

  With the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999, Nigeria's political landscape underwent significant changes. The political climate and the regulatory framework for party registration have led to substantial fluctuations in the number of political parties. Initially, three main political parties emerged in the Fourth Republic: the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the All People’s Party (APP), and the Alliance for Democracy (AD). These parties laid the foundation for Nigeria’s democratic processes. By 2002, there were thirty registered parties, which increased to 33 by early 2006 and to 50 by 2007. However, only sixteen parties fielded candidates in the 2003 General Elections, and twenty-six in the 2007 elections. The trend continued, with 63 political parties registered by the 2011 elections. Following mergers and new registrations, including the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the number was streamlined to 25 by April 2013. Despite the growing number of parties,...

  The UAE has successfully mediated the exchange of 180 captives between Russia and Ukraine, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This marks the fifth such mediation this year, leveraging the UAE's strong diplomatic relationships to act as a trusted mediator. The Ministry emphasized the UAE's dedication to ongoing efforts for peaceful conflict resolution, focusing on dialogue, diplomacy, and de-escalation to address humanitarian impacts. The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed that both Russia and Ukraine received 90 prisoners each. The UAE has previously facilitated multiple prisoner exchanges between the two nations, with the most recent occurring in late May 2024. The UAE's commitment to peace was also demonstrated in a prisoner exchange between Russia and the United States in December 2022. The Ministry expressed gratitude to the Russian and Ukrainian governments for their cooperation, reaffirming the UAE's role as a reliable mediator. This effort highlight...

  Unrest erupted across Kenya following the passage of a contentious finance bill, resulting in widespread violence, casualties, and property damage. President William Ruto pledged vigorous measures to prevent future incidents, while Defense Minister Aden Duale deployed military forces to restore order amid chaos. In a national address, President Ruto vowed to use all available resources to prevent a recurrence of such unrest. Violent incidents included attempts to attack State House in Nakuru and arson at ruling party offices in Embu. Reports, including from Kenya Law Society President Faith Odhiambo, alleged the abduction of fifty individuals, triggering concerns over human rights abuses. While police responses were sought, Speaker of Parliament Moses Wetangula demanded clarification on the whereabouts of those allegedly abducted. President Ruto stressed the importance of respectful dialogue, particularly with youth, emphasizing constitutional values and the rule of law in nation...

  Kenyan police officers have been dispatched to Haiti to address the escalating gang violence that has plagued the country , claiming thousands of lives and displacing half a million people this year alone. Despite legal challenges questioning the deployment's legality, President William Ruto affirmed its importance, framing it as Kenya's significant contribution to global peacekeeping efforts. The mission, part of a United Nations-led force, involves 1,000 Kenyan officers, with an initial group of 400 already deployed. President Ruto stressed the mission's international significance and its role in restoring stability to a nation gripped by chaos and gang control. Critics have raised concerns about the deployment's legality, citing a court ruling highlighting procedural issues. Meanwhile, recent domestic unrest involving Kenyan police has drawn scrutiny, with allegations of excessive force during anti-government protests resulting in fatalities and injuries currently ...

  The United Arab Emirates has inked a contract with the UN World Food Program (WFP) to provide $25 million in emergency food aid to people impacted by the situation in Sudan and South Sudan, Emirates News Agency (WAM) said Sunday. The United Nations claims that the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been fighting a conflict that has claimed about 15,000 lives and resulted in around 8.5 million displaced persons and refugees since mid-April 2023. According to the organization, help will be given to individuals directly affected by the crisis, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and returnees touched by violence. Sultan Al Shamsi, assistant minister for international development affairs, and Matthew Nims, executive director of the WFP's Washington office, signed the agreement on behalf of the UAE. The agency claims that the fighting in Sudan is causing a severe food shortage among roughly 17.7 million people in Sudan and 7.1 million peop...

Spotify is celebrating a decade of amapiano, a South African music genre that has taken the world by storm. The platform highlights the genre's global growth and significant impact on the music industry through a dedicated amapiano hub. This hub offers curated playlists and podcasts exploring the origins, distinctive sounds, and future of amapiano. In 2023, amapiano surpassed 1.4 billion streams on Spotify. The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point for the genre, with streams reaching 100 million in 2020 and 300 million in 2021, showcasing its skyrocketing popularity. From the townships to international stages, amapiano not only entertains but also amplifies the voices of young South Africans, allowing them to express their aspirations, resilience, and creativity. Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s head of music for sub-Saharan Africa, notes, "The rise of amapiano from grassroots to global recognition is admirable both musically and culturally. It echoes the youth-driven kwaito movem...

  Of its $100 million pledge announced at the Paris International Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and Neighbouring Countries in April 2024, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has allocated $70 million. This significant contribution underscores the UAE's commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The funds will be distributed to key UN agencies and humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Health Organization (WHO). The aid is intended to meet Sudan's urgent needs, including food and health services, livelihood support, emergency housing, and protection for women. This comprehensive support package aims to prevent starvation and further deterioration of humanitarian conditions in the region. The UAE's broader plan is to provide holistic assistance to a...

  More than 200 protesters have been arrested in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, as demonstrations against proposed tax increases in a forthcoming finance package continue. Despite the arrests, civil society groups have vowed to persist with the protests, including a planned sit-in outside the parliament buildings. Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei announced on Tuesday that no group had received permission to demonstrate in the city. While Kenya’s constitution guarantees the right to peaceful demonstrations, organizers are required to notify the police in advance, who typically grant permission unless there are security concerns. Police used tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters, prompting businesses to temporarily close due to fears of looting. Among the demonstrators was attorney Wanjohi Gachie, who expressed concern about the financial burden the proposed tax increases would place on Kenyans. “We are fighting for their rights as well; therefore, I’m asking the police not ...

  UAE President Sheikh Mohamed recently attended the G7 Summit, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and energy. Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who hosted this year’s summit, initiated the session on “Energy and Artificial Intelligence/Africa and the Mediterranean Region.” Through its active participation, the UAE showcases its commitment to sustainable development and technological innovation, signaling a significant shift on the global stage. In his address, Sheikh Mohamed highlighted critical global issues, particularly those affecting the Middle East and Africa's energy sector. He stressed the need for collective efforts and international cooperation to tackle these challenges. Sheikh Mohamed advocated for leveraging technologies like AI to provide sustainable solutions, ensuring energy security and fostering social and economic growth. Reaffirming the UAE’s commitment, Sheikh Mohamed outlined plans to develop an integrated AI system through comprehensive programs...

  Following the long-ruling African National Congress’s loss of its legislative majority in last month’s election, the leader of South Africa’s Inkatha Freedom Party announced on Wednesday that it will join a proposed government of national unity. This move aims to overcome the political gridlock in the nation. With Velenkosini Hlabisa’s announcement, several major parties have agreed to form a coalition government with the ANC, increasing the chances of reaching an agreement by the Friday deadline. This deadline coincides with the new Parliament of South Africa's first meeting following the May 29 election, where they will attempt to elect a president. After the apartheid system of white minority control was overthrown in 1994, the ANC has ruled for thirty years. However, in this election, it secured only 40% of the vote. Despite being the largest party, it now needs to negotiate with other parties to govern and reelect President Cyril Ramaphosa for a second and final term. In na...

 The UAE has committed $3 billion in aid and investments to Ethiopia. This includes a $1 billion deposit into Ethiopia’s central bank to alleviate a severe foreign currency shortage. The pledge, announced after a meeting between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Abu Dhabi’s crown prince, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, underscores strong support for Abiy's leadership. Such financial assistance from Gulf nations like the UAE and Saudi Arabia is not uncommon in the region, aimed at bolstering cooperative governments. Abiy, who assumed office amidst significant internal turmoil, has signaled a willingness for political reforms beyond initial expectations. Recent initiatives include plans to privatize state-owned enterprises and resolve long-standing conflicts, such as the border dispute with Eritrea. The UAE's commitment is expected to have a substantial impact on Ethiopia’s economic stability, particularly by addressing the currency shortage that has strained sectors across the e...

  A Nation in Mourning Malawi is in deep sorrow following the tragic passing of Vice President Saulos Chilima. Chilima, along with nine others, perished in a plane crash in a forest in the northern part of the nation while en route to a burial. National Shock and Grief The news has left the nation in shock and grief. “Every country has leaders who are also like parents. Not to one individual, not to two, but to many communities. Thus, it is sad,” said Rose Abigail Mwinjilo, a resident of Lilongwe. Another resident, Godrick Masina, lamented the loss and highlighted Chilima’s significant contributions to the nation. “As vice president, he helped many others, including the current government. Without Chilima, I am quite convinced we could have ended up in another election,” he remarked. The Political Journey of Chilima Saulos Chilima began his career as a businessman and served as the vice president of Malawi for ten years, first under former President Peter Mutharika and then under ...

  Aircraft Search for Vice President Saulos Chilima The Malawian authorities have launched a search for an aircraft carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine other passengers. The plane, belonging to the Malawi Defense Force, departed from Lilongwe at 9:17 a.m. on Monday but failed to arrive at its northern base as scheduled. Details of the Disappearance In a broadcast speech, President Lazarus Chakwera explained that poor weather conditions and low visibility prevented the plane from landing. The pilot was instructed to turn back, but shortly after, the aircraft disappeared from radar and lost contact. Search and Rescue Efforts The Malawian government has initiated a search and rescue mission involving both national and local institutions. By the afternoon, rescuers had narrowed the possible crash site to a six-mile radius. Despite challenging terrain and darkness, military and police personnel continued the search on foot and by vehicle in the dense forests of northern Mala...

Sub-Saharan Africa, a region rich in natural and human resources, holds immense potential. However, productivity varies significantly across its 54 countries. Africa's vast and growing human resource base sets it apart in the global productivity landscape. The continent boasts a young and dynamic workforce with enormous potential. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines labour productivity as the total volume of output (measured in terms of gross domestic product, GDP) produced per unit of labour (measured in terms of the number of people employed or hours worked) over a given reference period. Despite this potential, many African countries face low labour productivity compared to developed economies. This is primarily due to poor infrastructure, economic mismanagement, and a lack of education and skills development. According to Ilostat data, Libya is the most productive country on the continent, with $30 of GDP per hour worked. In contrast, Burundi, the Central Africa...

On Friday, June 7th, UN humanitarians warned that the people of Sudan are enduring escalating violence and nearing famine  UN humanitarians warned that the people of Sudan are enduring escalating violence and nearing famine . This alert follows an alleged attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the community of Wad Al-Noura in Aj Jazirah state, south of Khartoum, reportedly resulting in over 100 deaths, including at least 35 children. During a briefing from Port Sudan, Mohamed Refaat, the Chief of Mission for the UN Migration Agency (IOM), highlighted "truly horrible reports of violent attacks and casualties." Both UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UNICEF head Catherine Russell condemned the attack. In North Darfur's capital, El Fasher, approximately 800,000 people remain in danger as violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF intensifies. Refaat noted the area is “inaccessible” to the UN and called for unhindered delivery of supplies. He emp...

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov concluded a significant tour of Africa on Wednesday, June 5, with a visit to N’Djamena, Chad, following stops in Guinea, the Republic of Congo, and Burkina Faso. During his visit to Chad, Lavrov met with his Chadian counterpart, Abderaman Koulamallah, to discuss enhancing bilateral relations. Central and Western Africa have long been considered France’s sphere of influence. Lavrov emphasized that Russia's strengthening ties with Chad are not aimed at challenging any other nation. “I assure you that our alliance with Chad does not affect our relations with France in any way. France often operates on the principle that nations are either with them or against them,” Lavrov stated. This year marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between Russia and Chad. Russia's expanding influence in Africa has added complexity to the continent’s geopolitical landscape, with many analysts describing this competition as the “battle for Africa.” Political sci...

  South Korea will increase its development aid to Africa and seek closer collaboration with the continent's 1.3 billion residents on vital minerals and technologies . President Yoon Suk Yeol announced this at the first Korea-Africa Summit, which welcomed numerous African leaders. In his speech, Yoon urged African nations to join the global pressure campaign against North Korea. The North has recently intensified its nuclear-capable missile tests and launched provocative actions, such as sending hundreds of balloons filled with rubbish and manure into South Korea, further straining inter-Korean relations. Strategic Importance of Africa Africa's 54 governments form a significant bloc at the United Nations, holding three rotating Security Council seats. At South Korea’s two-day summit, representatives from 48 African countries, including 25 heads of state, focused on trade and investment. Currently, less than 2% of South Korea’s total imports and exports involve trade with Africa...

  The nation is on edge as the African National Congress (ANC) takes on the unusual job of picking a coalition partner to govern South Africa. Last week's election saw the ANC lose its legislative majority for the first time in three decades of democracy , failing to garner more than half of the vote. Historic Election Results Since the fall of apartheid in 1994, the ANC has continuously controlled all elections. However, disillusioned people, disgruntled by continued unemployment, inequality, and continuous power outages, gave the party only 40.2% of the vote, a considerable decrease from 57.5% in the last election five years ago. Although the ANC remains the largest party, its diminished vote share makes it impossible to rule alone, plunging South Africa into unknown territory In his weekly address on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated, “This moment in our country calls for responsible leadership and constructive engagement.” Coalition Negotiations Potential coalition part...

   Chile Supports South Africa's Legal Action Against Israel at the ICJ In a significant geopolitical move, Chilean President Gabriel Boric announced that Chile will support South Africa’s legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. The lawsuit, filed under the UN Genocide Convention, accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza through military actions. President Boric’s Declaration "Chile will join and back South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, under the UN Genocide Convention," President Boric stated in a comprehensive speech lasting over two-and-a-half hours before the National Congress in Valparaiso. He further emphasized, "I have ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs teams to prepare a brief with our arguments on this subject." This decision aligns with increasing international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, particularly regarding the assault on Rafah. With ...

  Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on Friday that China is closely monitoring Zambia’s debt restructuring negotiations and will assist in resolving issues . Mao emphasized China’s significant role in these efforts, noting that China, as co-chair of Zambia’s Official Creditors Committee, was the first to help Zambia pay off its debt, leading to notable restructuring results. China remains committed to supporting underdeveloped nations in debt management and calls for international cooperation to aid Zambia and other African countries. Despite a deal with bilateral lenders last year covering over $6 billion, Zambia still faces around $7 billion in outstanding debt owed to bondholders and commercial banks. The search for debt relief has been challenging, with official creditors rejecting a bondholder agreement last October. China’s involvement has been crucial in Zambia’s debt restructuring, highlighting its commitment to economic stability in underdeveloped co...